About the Scheme
AB-HWCs are the primary healthcare pillar of Ayushman Bharat. Target: convert 1.5 lakh Sub-Centres and PHCs into HWCs by 2022 (extended to 2025). By 2025: 1.73 lakh HWCs functional. Provides 12 packages of comprehensive primary health care including NCD screening, mental health, palliative care.
Target Beneficiaries: 1.4 billion Indians; 1.73 lakh HWCs serving rural and semi-urban population; focus on poor and vulnerable
Key Features
- 1.73 lakh Health and Wellness Centres functional across India (2025)
- 12 service packages: reproductive/maternal/child health, communicable diseases, NCDs, mental health, ENT, ophthalmology, oral health, palliative care, trauma, emergency
- Community Health Officers (CHOs): BAMS/BSc Nursing graduates trained as mid-level providers
- Free drugs: 105+ essential medicines available free at HWCs
- Free diagnostics: 63+ essential tests available free
- Yoga and wellness activities; community participation through Mahila Arogya Samiti
- Telemedicine (eSanjeevani) integrated — 25+ crore teleconsultations completed
Eligibility Criteria
- All Indian citizens
- Universal access to primary healthcare
- Special focus on vulnerable populations
- No income or demographic restrictions