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.

Adding to these efforts, the 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign exemplifies India’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis. Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda recently convened a meeting with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and State Health Ministers to underscore the significance of this campaign. Covering 347 priority districts nationwide, the initiative aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality by intensifying case-finding drives and leveraging advanced diagnostic technologies. Community mobilization activities such as Ni-kshay Shivirs and Ni-kshay Shapaths are central to this approach, fostering public engagement and inspiring collective action through the support of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local leaders.

Notably, India’s TB elimination rate has exceeded the global average, with TB-related deaths declining by 21.4% over the past decade. Nearly 53 lakh vulnerable individuals have been screened since the campaign's launch, resulting in the diagnosis of 22,178 new patients. Additionally, nutritional support through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and innovative care models like Differentiated TB Care are ensuring comprehensive care for high-risk patients.

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, Mission Indradhanush, and the TB Elimination Campaign 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.