Ayushman Bharat free treatment reached 2.5 crore people in the last year, President Droupadi Murmu said on January 28, 2026. She addressed a joint sitting of Parliament while marking the beginning of the Budget Session.
The President stated that hospitals across India have provided more than 11 crore free medical treatments under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme so far. She emphasised that the scheme continues to support economically weaker sections by reducing the burden of healthcare costs.
Speaking about senior citizens, President Murmu said the government issued nearly one crore Vay Vandana cards over the past one-and-a-half years. These cards helped around eight lakh senior citizens receive free in-patient treatment in hospitals.
President Murmu highlighted the role of 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in strengthening primary healthcare. These centres ensure that people receive medical care closer to their homes, especially in rural and remote areas.
She said the government has taken decisive steps to fight major diseases. Under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, authorities screened more than 6.5 crore citizens. This effort has significantly controlled the disease in several tribal regions.
The President also spoke about disease prevention campaigns. Mission-mode initiatives have helped control Japanese Encephalitis, particularly in underdeveloped and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. She added that sustained efforts ensured long-term prevention.
Calling it a moment of national pride, President Murmu said the World Health Organization has declared India free from Trachoma, an infectious eye disease.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal insurance coverage. Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana play a vital role in this mission. Through these programmes, beneficiaries have received insurance support worth over ₹24,000 crore, providing relief to millions during crises.
