Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY + Health & Wellness Centres)
Two-pillar health initiative: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization, while Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly HWCs) deliver comprehensive primary healthcare.
Why UPSC tests this
Frequently tested on the distinction between the two pillars, beneficiary identification (SECC 2011 deprivation criteria), and the role of National Health Authority vs State Health Agencies.
Latest from PIB
8 on this page- 5 May 2026Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ayushman Bharat in Bengal: BJP’s win ensures Rs 5 lakh health coverage for state’s poorest and elderly
This article discusses the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in West Bengal. The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh health coverage, targeting over 1.24 crore of the state's poorest and 15.9 lakh elderly citizens aged 70 and above, marking a significant policy shift for the state.
- 13 Apr 2026Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
National Health Authority Invites Innovators to Join AB PM-JAY Auto-Adjudication Hackathon 2026
The National Health Authority (NHA) is organizing the AB PM-JAY Auto-Adjudication Hackathon 2026 to enhance the efficiency of Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY scheme's claims processing. The hackathon aims to leverage digital solutions, automation, and AI for faster, more accurate, and fully digitized claim adjudication. The fina…
- 27 Oct 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
NHA showcases use of artificial intelligence to strengthen transparency and integrity in India’s digital health ecosystem at CVC workshop
The National Health Authority (NHA) demonstrated its pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for strengthening transparency and integrity in India's digital health ecosystem. This was showcased at a CVC workshop during Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, highlighting AI's role in fraud detection for schemes like ABDM…
- 1 Oct 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provide affordable, good quality and comprehensive healthcare,
Towards Universal Healthcare
This PIB release discusses the government's commitment to universal healthcare, primarily through the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It highlights AB-PMJAY's key features, such as Rs. 5 lakh annual coverage for secondary and tertiary care, cashless treatment, and its status as the world…
- 19 Aug 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on National TB Elimination Programme
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided an update on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The program, operating under the NHM, details its renewed approach, including advanced diagnostics like NAAT, decentralized services through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and extensive community engagement for aware…
- 19 Aug 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Strengthening of PM-JAY Implementation
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare provided an update on the robust anti-fraud mechanisms implemented for Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The scheme is governed by a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, supported by the National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) under the Nati…
- 12 Aug 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on ABDM
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is building a comprehensive digital health ecosystem to ensure continuity of care, especially in remote areas, through telemedicine. Implemented by the NHA, the mission emphasizes citizen privacy and consent for data sharing. Recent statistics (as of August 2025) indicate sign…
- 12 Aug 2025Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Steps taken for Persons with Disabilities
The government has implemented various schemes to support Persons with Disabilities and address rare diseases. Key initiatives include the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme for PwD, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for vulnerable families, and the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021. Recent IRDAI directives also aim to broade…
Past UPSC Prelims questions on this
- UPSC Prelims 2022polity
With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements : 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately. 3. It has seamless portability across the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
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Frequently asked
- What is the cover under PM-JAY?
- Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, with no cap on family size or age.
- How are PM-JAY beneficiaries identified?
- Using the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 deprivation and occupational criteria for rural and urban areas. There is no enrollment process — it is entitlement-based.
- What are Ayushman Arogya Mandirs?
- The renamed Health & Wellness Centres — the primary care pillar of Ayushman Bharat, delivering comprehensive primary care at the sub-centre and PHC level.
Related schemes
See all →Last updated 9 May 2026.