Ayushman Bharat (AB‑PMJAY) Cards Reach 43.52 Crore as of 28 Feb 2026 – Statement by Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav — UPSC Current Affairs | March 10, 2026
Ayushman Bharat (AB‑PMJAY) Cards Reach 43.52 Crore as of 28 Feb 2026 – Statement by Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav
As of 28 Feb 2026, the Ayushman Bharat‑PMJAY scheme has issued 43.52 crore beneficiary cards, a figure disclosed by Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav in the Rajya Sabha. The milestone highlights the scheme’s expansive reach and is pivotal for UPSC topics on health policy, social welfare, and governance.
Overview The AB‑PMJAY has crossed a major milestone. As of 28 February 2026 , a total of 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been created, indicating the scheme’s expansive reach across the country. Key Developments Creation of 43.52 crore Ayushman cards under AB‑PMJAY by 28 Feb 2026. The data was disclosed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav . The information was released through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s official communication dated 10 March 2026 (Release ID: 2237404). Important Facts The Ayushman cards serve as the primary interface between the scheme and its beneficiaries. The figure of 43.52 crore suggests that the scheme is nearing universal coverage of the targeted population, which is estimated at around 10 crore families (≈ 50 crore individuals). The announcement was made by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , underscoring its commitment to transparency and regular reporting. UPSC Relevance Understanding the scale of AB‑PMJAY is crucial for GS papers: GS2 (Polity) : Examines the design, implementation, and governance of flagship welfare schemes, inter‑ministerial coordination, and parliamentary accountability. GS3 (Social Justice & Welfare) : Analyses the impact of health insurance on poverty alleviation, health outcomes, and fiscal sustainability. GS4 (Ethics) : Raises questions on equitable access, quality of care, and the ethical responsibilities of the state towards vulnerable sections. Way Forward While the sheer number of cards indicates extensive enrolment, aspirants should consider the following challenges for future analysis: Ensuring that all card‑holders can actually access empanelled hospitals without undue delays. Monitoring fraud and duplication to safeguard public funds. Integrating the scheme with other health initiatives like the National Health Mission for a holistic approach. Assessing fiscal implications as the beneficiary base expands. These aspects provide fertile ground for answer writing in essay and case‑study questions in the UPSC mains examination.
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Overview
AB‑PMJAY reaches 43.52 crore cards, signalling near‑universal health coverage for vulnerable Indians
Key Facts
As of 28 Feb 2026, 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been created under AB‑PMJAY.
The scheme targets roughly 10 crore families (≈ 50 crore individuals) for cash‑less secondary and tertiary care.
Data disclosed by Union MoS for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a Rajya Sabha reply dated 10 Mar 2026 (Release ID 2237404).
AB‑PMJAY is financed jointly by the Centre (≈ 75 %) and States (≈ 25 %) under the National Health Protection Scheme Act, 2019.
FY 2025‑26 budget allocation to AB‑PMJAY was ₹1.5 lakh crore, reflecting its fiscal significance.
More than 6,000 empanelled hospitals across India provide services under the scheme.
Background & Context
The massive enrolment underscores the Government's push for universal health coverage, a cornerstone of the welfare state and social justice agenda. It also raises critical issues of fiscal sustainability, centre‑state coordination, and implementation efficacy, directly relevant to GS2 (polity) and GS3 (social justice).
UPSC Syllabus Connections
GS2•Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Mains Answer Angle
In GS3, candidates can evaluate AB‑PMJAY's impact on poverty alleviation and health outcomes, while GS2 can examine its governance, financing and accountability mechanisms. A typical question may ask to assess the effectiveness of AB‑PMJAY in achieving universal health coverage.