AI-generated summary
Ayushman Bharat was launched eight years ago with the aim of making quality and affordable healthcare accessible to people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
NEW DELHI: Eight years after Ayushman Bharat was launched with the aim of making quality and affordable healthcare accessible to people, the scheme now covers more than 60 crore beneficiaries, with over 13 crore people having availed treatment worth over Rs 2 lakh crore through 39,000-plus empanelled public and private hospitals. PM Narendra Modi, marking the eight-year milestone in a post on X, said Ayushman Bharat had transformed healthcare access for millions and described it as the world's largest health assurance scheme. He highlighted the Rs 5 lakh annual health cover available to more than 60 crore people and said the scheme had enabled savings on medical expenses, benefiting poor and middle-class families.
Join conversation
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
Modi also highlighted the expansion of healthcare closer to people through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which have recorded more than 500 crore visits. He said the journey represented govt's commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare. Sharing the latest figures, health minister J P Nadda said more than 60 crore people were covered under the scheme and 48.5 crore-plus cards had been created. He highlighted the human impact of the numbers, pointing to families being protected from the burden of medical expenses, patients receiving timely treatment and households being able to face illness without the fear of financial hardship.
End of Article

Riley Lubas, 20, took two cold medicines, both of which contained paracetamol, which caused liver failure and left her on a ventilator. Later he recovered and is now busy spreading awareness.

A BBC Future article suggests that the health benefits of exercise outweigh its risks despite air pollution, especially in areas with low to moderate pollution, but that in areas with high pollution, prolonged intense exercise may reduce the benefits and increase the risks. The article also suggests measures to reduce exposure to pollution.
The Supreme Court of India criticized pharmaceutical companies and retailers for charging exorbitant prices on medicines, citing examples where MRP was 10-16 times the cost to retailers, and urged bringing all medicines under price control and Jan Aushadhi Kendras to prevent patients from selling assets to afford treatment.

Influenced by unrealistic standards of 'glass skin' on social media, teens are adopting complex skincare routines. According to dermatologists Dr. Jonathan Kentley and Dr. Zainab Laftah, this can damage the protective layer of the skin. Experts recommend simple routines and professional advice.

Changes in the brain can begin 10-20 years before Alzheimer's symptoms appear, so it's important to focus on exercise, a balanced diet, mental activities, and social relationships from a young age to maintain brain health.

BBC health correspondent Melissa Hogenboom analyzes 'micropractices' to reduce stress. Research shows that small activities like laughter yoga, micro yoga, deep breathing techniques, and compassionate touch with yourself can improve mental health and energy levels.