A 2019 NIMHANS study found that women are more affected by mental health issues than men, with 20 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men facing disorders like depression and anxiety. This gender gap highlights the urgent need for gender-sensitive mental health services and better community outreach.

The 2023 NCRB report shows that suicides in India reached 1.71 lakh cases, with men accounting for 72.8 per cent. These numbers underline the urgent demand for accessible psychological support and early intervention across the country.

Through Ayushman Bharat, over 1.75 lakh health centres have been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering mental health services. Additionally, a national helpline (080-4611 0007) provides 24/7 counselling, showing India’s ongoing efforts toward inclusive mental healthcare.

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PM-JAY facilitated 9.19 crore hospital admissions, covering treatments worth Rs 1,29,386 crore. Over 30,000 hospitals, both public and private, participate in the scheme. Around 82 per cent of beneficiaries live in rural areas. Authorities issued more than 40.45 crore Ayushman cards, covering 14.69 crore families.

ABDM advanced digital healthcare with 76.5 crore ABHA accounts created, linking 51.3 crore health records. The ABHA App Version 3, in 13 languages, recorded 1.57 crore downloads and 2-3 lakh tokens daily. These features simplify OPD registration and payments for users.

The scheme resolved 96 per cent of grievances through improved call centres and digital systems. Beneficiary satisfaction stands at 95 per cent. Officials noted ABDM’s integration with PM-JAY strengthens care coordination and ensures accountability in India’s healthcare system.

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In 2025, the prevalence rate stood at 0.57 per 10,000 population, with 0.82 lakh patients under treatment. In 1981, the rate was 57.2, with 39.19 lakh patients. New case detection also declined 37 per cent since 2006.

The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) played a key role by providing early diagnosis and Multidrug Therapy (MDT), including Rifampicin, Clofazimine, and Dapsone. Integration with Ayushman Bharat and child health programs strengthened early detection.

India achieved elimination status nationally in 2005, with 31 states and 638 districts maintaining prevalence below 1 per 10,000. The government aims to interrupt leprosy transmission by 2030 under the National Strategic Plan and WHO guidelines. Continued political will, adequate funding, and community engagement are crucial to sustaining success.

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Moreover, Prasad claimed the Stalin government stalled approvals and blocked private hospital participation. He added that political motives were placed above citizens’ welfare. In contrast, the scheme has already given health coverage to over 55 crore Indians and reduced barriers to treatment across the country.

According to BJP data, 42 crore Ayushman cards and 81 lakh Vay Vandana cards have been issued. Treatments worth ₹496 crore were provided to senior citizens. In addition, 55 crore hypertension checks and 48 crore diabetes screenings were completed. Affordable dialysis and surgeries now save families up to ₹15,000 each.

Therefore, Prasad urged the state Health Minister to register private hospitals without delay. He stressed that healthcare should never be held hostage to politics. Finally, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for turning Ayushman Bharat into a global model for public health.

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Till September 20, more than 2.83 lakh health camps were conducted, with over 76 lakh citizens attending. Citizens were screened for hypertension, diabetes, breast and cervical cancer, and oral cancer.

The campaign also offered antenatal check-ups to 18 lakh women, vaccinated over 51 lakh children, and screened 15 lakh people for anaemia. Tuberculosis and Sickle Cell Disease screenings reached over 22 lakh and 2.3 lakh citizens, respectively. Additionally, 1.6 lakh blood donors registered and 4.7 lakh new Ayushman/PM-JAY cards were issued.

Mega health camps were organised in states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on maternal, mental, NCD, and cancer screenings. The campaign will continue until October 2, aiming to ensure healthy women, strong families, and a resilient nation.

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The scheme offers health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation to about 55 crore beneficiaries. Currently, 12.37 crore families from India’s bottom 40 per cent population are covered under the programme.

Till June, more than 9.84 crore hospital admissions worth over Rs. 1.40 lakh crore have been authorised. A total of 31,466 hospitals have been empanelled, including 14,194 private hospitals. Over 41 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued nationwide.

Nadda highlighted that the initiative has reduced out-of-pocket expenses, strengthened social security, and provided dignified access to healthcare. He emphasised that Ayushman Bharat reflects PM Narendra Modi’s vision and the government’s commitment to building a healthier India, ensuring no citizen is left behind, regardless of income or geography.

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The ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ is focused on empowering women by improving their health and providing them with the tools to ensure better health outcomes for their families. This initiative will provide awareness programs, health camps, and resources to promote healthier lifestyles for women, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah,’ launched in parallel, aims to combat malnutrition in India, particularly among children and pregnant women. The program will encourage communities to participate in nutrition-based activities, focusing on the importance of balanced diets and proper healthcare. These campaigns are expected to play a crucial role in achieving India’s sustainable development goals related to health and nutrition.

In addition to these initiatives, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a series of health camps across the country, offering free medical check-ups, vaccinations, and health consultations for people in remote areas. These camps are part of Modi’s ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible to all citizens, particularly those in underserved regions.

This milestone birthday for PM Modi marks not only a personal achievement but also a renewed commitment to improving public health across India. As the country celebrates his 75 years, these initiatives reflect Modi’s continued focus on the health and well-being of every Indian, with the hope of creating a healthier, more prosperous nation.

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Ayushman Sakhi will function as a digital assistant under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Through a simple, conversational interface, it aims to provide quick answers to citizens’ queries on Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and other digital health initiatives. The chatbot will help users check their eligibility, understand benefits, track claim status, and get guidance on accessing medical services.

Officials said the chatbot reflects the government’s broader push for digital health infrastructure. By linking patients, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in one ecosystem, ABDM seeks to strengthen transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

Launched alongside new medical college projects, Ayushman Sakhi is expected to play a key role in raising awareness about government health benefits, especially in rural areas where access to reliable information remains a challenge.

Health experts believe this innovation could bring India closer to the goal of universal healthcare coverage, while also easing the burden on physical helpdesks and call centers.

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