UP Leads in Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Implementation | 24 Sep 2025

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh leads in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, covering 87% of eligible families, marking a milestone in universal health coverage.

Key Points

  • About: In Uttar Pradesh, 87% of eligible families now possess an Ayushman card, with a total of 5.38 crore cards distributed, positioning the state at the forefront of the Ayushman Bharat scheme's implementation. 
    • Over 50% of the nine crore target beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh have already been enrolled in the scheme. 
    • This milestone was highlighted during an event celebrating the seventh anniversary of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
  • Healthcare Access and Expenditure: Since its inception, 74.4 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh have received free treatment at empanelled hospitals under the scheme, totalling an expenditure of Rs 12,283 crore. 
    • Of this, Rs 4,200 crore has been allocated for tertiary care services like cancer treatment, cardiology, organ transplants, and pediatric oncology.
  • Empanelled Hospitals: Currently, Uttar Pradesh boasts 6,099 empanelled hospitals, the highest in the country, including 2,921 government hospitals and 3,088 private hospitals. This extensive network ensures wide access to healthcare for the state’s population.

Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Scheme

  • Overview: Launched on 23rd September 2018, Ayushman Bharat is recognised as the world’s largest universal health coverage initiative, covering approximately 45% of India’s population.
    • It aims to provide free and high-quality healthcare to economically disadvantaged families.
  • Funding: It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a cost ratio of 60:40 for the Centre and states and 90:10 for the north-eastern states, Himalayan states and Union Territories. States have the option to opt out of the scheme.
  • Target Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries are selected based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and other state-specific initiatives. 
    • These include construction workers, Antyodaya cardholders, accredited journalists, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, Kumbh workers, senior citizens above 70 years, and vulnerable tribal groups. Recently, the scheme has also been extended to include teachers.