Introductory Memo
India’s healthcare system has long been marked by stark inequalities, where access to quality treatment often depended not on urgency, but on affordability. For millions of low-income families, a single medical emergency could push them into debt or force them to forgo treatment altogether. In this backdrop, the launch of Ayushman Bharat marked a watershed moment, aiming to redefine healthcare access for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Often described as the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme, Ayushman Bharat has steadily evolved into a lifeline for millions. With a promise of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, the scheme has bridged a critical gap between need and access. But beyond numbers and policies, its true impact is best understood through the lives it has touched.