India has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 12 years. During this period, the Modi government carried out many flagship initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 12 years across key sectors. Today, we focus on the measures taken by the government towards health services.
In the past 12 years, the Government has significantly strengthened India’s health system, which is now more accessible, affordable, and quality-driven. In 2018, Prime Minister Modi launched the world’s largest health insurance programme, Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana. Under the scheme, free health insurance up to five lakh rupees per family per year is being provided to socio-economically deprived families.
Under the scheme, more than 44 crore Ayushman Cards have been created, and treatment worth over one lakh 80 thousand crore rupees have been provided. In a landmark expansion of the scheme in October 2024, the government launched Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana, extending health insurance coverage to all senior citizens above 70 years. Talking to Akashvani News, Rohit Singh of Delhi said that with this card, he can now avail treatment at private hospitals as well.
The government has also established one lakh 86 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to provide primary healthcare at every neighbourhood. These centres are providing a wide range of services, including maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, diagnostic facilities, and free essential medicines.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana also provides quality-assured generic medicines at significantly lower prices than market prices. Talking to Akashvani News, Dilip kumar, a resident of Bihar said that the medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are available at very low prices.
The government has expanded medical education to meet rising demand for health professionals. The number of AIIMS, which was only eight in 2014, has now gone up to 23, while the number of Medical colleges increased from 387 to 818. The Ministry of AYUSH, formed in November 2014, established traditional medicine as an active part of India’s health system. A total of 942 AYUSH institutions have been opened till 2025. Over the last 12 years, the government has enhanced healthcare services by expanding hospitals, strengthening primary healthcare, and improving medical education, making healthcare more accessible to all.
