Ayushman Bharat turns 6: How Modi's flagship scheme changed the healthcare landscape?

Ayushman Bharat is still recording double digit growth in card issuances and hospitalisations

The Narendra Modi government's flagship health scheme Ayushman Bharat has seen enrolments go up to 354.9 million from 58 million in five years.

The number of Ayushman Bharat cards issued by the government reached 354.9 million until September 23, making a 42 percent jump over the last year, according to government data. The scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh for the family of each cardholder. Hospitalisations were 19.9 percent higher at 68.62 million as of September 23.  A Moneycontrol analysis shows that less populated states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accounted for 26.5 percent of the total hospitalisation. In comparison, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar had a 6.1 percent share of hospitalisations.

The government data indicates that the scheme has brought down the out-of-pocket spending. The out-of-pocket expenditure reduced to 47.1 percent in FY20 from 48.8 percent in FY18. Moneycontrol takes a look:

Ayushman coverage has increased as it completes six years

With hospital admissions rising

Benefits have accrued more to southern states

Health spending has increased

Contributing to lower out-of-pocket spending