Ayushman Bharat Sanctions Rs 1.73 Lakh Crore for Hospital Treatments, Expands Coverage

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has sanctioned hospital treatments worth Rs 1.73 lakh crore, benefiting 12 crore families in India's bottom 40%. The scheme offers Rs 5 lakh coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. As of February 28, 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, including 1.14 crore for senior citizens aged 70 and above. Over 36,000 hospitals are empanelled, with health packages expanded to 1,961 across 27 specialties, covering chronic diseases. Recent expansions include 37 lakh families of health workers and six crore senior citizens.