The World Health Organization (WHO) may replicate India’s Ayushman Bharat model, a pioneering healthcare initiative providing free medical insurance to millions of Indians. This program aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and has been recognized globally for its efforts .
Ayushman Bharat comprises two inter-related components: Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). HWCs bring healthcare closer to people’s homes, offering comprehensive health care, including treatments for non-communicable diseases and mother and child health. PM-JAY provides health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization ¹.
The program has already benefited approximately 50 crore Indians, with the government recently approving health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income ¹. This expansion aims to benefit around 4.5 crore families, with six crore senior citizens receiving free health insurance coverage.
India’s progress in healthcare has been acknowledged globally. The program’s success has the potential to inspire other countries to implement similar initiatives, aligning with the WHO’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 .
