“Ayushman Bharat scheme transforms healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, offering free coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for over 10 crore people. Recent expansions include senior citizens above 70, ensuring equitable access. Despite challenges like fraud, the scheme enhances infrastructure and reduces financial burdens, though some gaps remain in rural areas.”
Ayushman Bharat’s Impact on Uttar Pradesh Healthcare
Scheme Overview: Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. In Uttar Pradesh, it covers over 10 crore individuals, roughly 40% of the state’s population, targeting economically weaker sections based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
Recent Expansion: On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet extended PM-JAY to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, benefiting approximately 6 crore elderly across India, including millions in Uttar Pradesh. Beneficiaries receive an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Healthcare Access in UP: Uttar Pradesh has over 5,000 empanelled hospitals (public and private) under PM-JAY, enabling beneficiaries to access treatments like cancer care, cardiac surgeries, and orthopaedics. The scheme’s portability allows treatment across India, a boon for migrant workers from UP. As of December 2023, over 28.45 crore Ayushman cards were issued nationwide, with UP contributing significantly.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups: In UP, PM-JAY has reduced out-of-pocket expenses, preventing financial distress for families. Cancer patients, particularly in rural areas like Varanasi and Lucknow, have benefited from early diagnosis and free treatment, as highlighted by oncologists in a recent Lancet study. Women, too, have seen improved access to healthcare, especially for maternal and child health services.
Challenges in Implementation: Despite its scale, PM-JAY faces issues in UP. Fraudulent claims, such as fake medical bills, have led to penalties worth Rs 1 crore in Uttarakhand alone, with similar concerns in UP. Small private hospitals, often with fewer than 50 beds, struggle with infrastructure to handle complex cases. Rural areas still face shortages of empanelled facilities.
Budget and Infrastructure Boost: The 2024-25 Union Budget allocated Rs 7,300 crore for PM-JAY, a 10% hike, supporting UP’s healthcare infrastructure. The state is also upgrading Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to provide preventive care, reducing hospitalisation needs. However, experts call for expanded coverage for high-cost treatments like cancer, which can exceed Rs 5 lakh.
Senior Citizen Benefits: The Vaya Vandana extension ensures seniors in UP receive dedicated coverage, with an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up for those already under PM-JAY. This move addresses the rising healthcare needs of the elderly, though uptake in rural UP remains slow due to awareness gaps.
Future Prospects: Uttar Pradesh aims to integrate PM-JAY with state schemes to enhance coverage. Experts suggest increasing screening programs for diseases like cancer and improving training for healthcare workers to bridge gaps in rural healthcare delivery. The state’s collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) is expected to digitize and streamline services further.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government announcements, and data from sources like the National Health Authority, The Hindu, and Economic Times. Information is accurate as of August 2025 but may evolve. Always verify eligibility and benefits through official PM-JAY portals.