India’s path to building a healthier nation is marked by significant advancements in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes. Over the past decade, transformative policies and initiatives have showcased the country’s steadfast commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

A pivotal milestone in this journey is the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), which provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per eligible family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. Covering 1,961 treatment procedures across 27 specialties, the scheme has transformed healthcare accessibility. As of December 17, 2024, over 36.28 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, empowering millions with health coverage. Gender-wise utilization reveals that women account for 49% of issued cards and nearly 50% of hospital admissions, highlighting the scheme’s role in promoting gender equity in healthcare. Furthermore, 30,932 hospitals have been empaneled nationwide under AB PM-JAY, ensuring expansive reach and accessibility.

India’s digital health infrastructure has also advanced remarkably through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) initiative. The ABHA number simplifies access and sharing of health records digitally, creating seamless connectivity among healthcare stakeholders. By December 22, 2024, over 71.81 crore ABHA numbers had been generated, with 46.53 crore health records linked. Additionally, over 3.55 lakh health facilities and more than 5.38 lakh healthcare professionals have been registered under the Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR), respectively, signifying a digital transformation in healthcare delivery.

Mission Indradhanush has been a cornerstone of India’s Universal Immunization Programme, targeting areas with low immunization rates to vaccinate left-out and dropped-out children and pregnant women. The initiative offers 11 vaccines, enhancing protection against preventable diseases. Since its inception, Mission Indradhanush has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women across its phases, significantly boosting immunization rates and reducing vulnerability to diseases.

India’s targeted healthcare strategies have yielded remarkable improvements in key health indicators. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has reduced from 103 per 100,000 live births in 2017-19 to 97 in 2018-20. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) decreased from 32 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 28 in 2020. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 2.0 in 2019-21. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of consumer-centric policies and rigorous monitoring to ensure impactful implementation.

Guided by visionary policies and robust implementation, India’s health infrastructure has undergone transformative changes. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush exemplify the nation’s unwavering commitment to UHC. As India continues to strengthen its health systems, the foundation is being laid for a robust, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare framework prioritizing the well-being of every citizen. This journey reflects not only progress but also the promise of a healthier future for all.