Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda chairs breakaway session, “Promoting Swasth Bharat through Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir” during Civil Services Day Celebrations in New Delhi Two pillars of Ayushman Bharat – AAM and AB PMJAY are a result of a very well-thought process which started in 2015 and culminated with the adoption of the National Health Policy in 2017 Shri JP Nadda“National Health Policy 2017 is the first such policy covering all aspects of healthcare holistically”Highlights need for enhancing capacity of health administrators to ensure timely and effective decision making, enhancing capacity of ASHA and community health workers, strengthening hub-and-spoke model of digital health intervention and monitoring and assessment of health impactsAyushman Bharat encompass the philosophy of Universal Health Care and also builds the pathway to achieve UHC Dr VK Paul“Thanks to AB PMJAY, hospitalization rates in India has increased by 40% and out-of-pocket expenditure has decreased from 64% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22”

Published on 21-Apr-2025 08:58 PM

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The Journey of Ayushman Bharat: Achieving Health Through comprehensive Primary Healthcare

In the bustling city of New Delhi on April 21, 2025, the Union Government held its annual Cvil Services Day Address, marking significant strides in achieving health goals. The focus here was on Ayushman Bharat, a framework aimed at improving healthcare services and ensuring continuity from primary to tertiary levels.

The Foundation of Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Bharat is rooted in two pillars: Agyan Arogya Mandir (AAM) and Pradhan Mantri Ayush Bhavan Health Infrastructure Mission (ABPMJAY). These efforts, started in 2015 under the National Health Policy 2017, are designed to enhance healthcare delivery and achieve Universal Health Coverage.

The Vision of a Unified Healthcare System

Shri JP Nadda, the Union Government Secretary, emphasized that Ayushman Bharat’s goal is not just for individuals but for the entire society. It aims to provide continuous care from primary to tertiary levels, ensuring accessible and effective healthcare services.

Funding Challenges and Implementation

Despite significant investments, there are challenges in absorbing funding, particularly in states. The Union Health Minister highlighted the increase in government expenditure, now at 48% of global levels compared to the baseline 29%, yet facing some gaps. Strengthening primary healthcare systems remains crucial for overcoming these issues.

The Impact of AAM and ABPMJAY

Agyan Arogya Mandir (AAM) offers comprehensive primary healthcare, while ABPMJAY focuses on secondary and tertiary care. Both platforms are instrumental in reducing hospitalization rates (by 40% improvement) and lowering out-of-pocket costs (from 64% to 39.4%).

Role of Dr. V K Paul

Dr. V K Paul from NITI Aayog underscored the motivation behind Ayushman Bharat’s aim for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Her insights highlighted how both pillars contribute to UHC, with specific examples like lower maternal mortality rates and improved infrastructure.

State Achievements and Infrastructure Development

States are progressing towards comprehensive healthcare through strengthened sub-centres. The Union Government ensures that these centers have better infrastructure and linkages, enabling seamless care from primary to tertiary levels.

The National Health Mission: A pillars Approach

Under the National Health Mission, the government focuses on four reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health pillars, while addressing communicable diseases and non-communicable ones. India’s progress in maternal mortality rates (double global) and U5MR (lower than before) is a testament to effective healthcare initiatives.

Conclusion: Achieving Health with comprehensive Primary Healthcare

Ayushman Bharat represents a leap forward in healthcare, with its two pillars driving significant improvements. While challenges exist, the commitment from the Union Government and the efforts by various ministries are paving the way for comprehensive healthcare systems across India. The journey continues, aiming to ensure every individual has access to quality care and health services.

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