New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – A total of 87.94 lakh Ayushman cards, including Vay Vandana cards, have been issued in Punjab till January 30, 2025, Union Health Minister J P Nadda informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
In response to a query, Nadda revealed that ₹57.96 crore was allocated to Punjab under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in 2023-24, and the entire sum was effectively utilized. In the previous financial year (2022-23), ₹111.38 crore was disbursed, which was also fully utilized.
As of January 29, 2025, 771 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme in Punjab, including 553 private hospitals, the minister stated.
Recently, the scheme has been expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above from 4.5 crore families, regardless of their socio-economic status, under AB-PMJAY with Vay Vandana cards, Nadda added.
This development highlights the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare accessibility for economically vulnerable groups, ensuring financial protection against medical expenses for millions across the country.
In response to a query, Nadda revealed that ₹57.96 crore was allocated to Punjab under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in 2023-24, and the entire sum was effectively utilized. In the previous financial year (2022-23), ₹111.38 crore was disbursed, which was also fully utilized.
As of January 29, 2025, 771 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme in Punjab, including 553 private hospitals, the minister stated.
Funding and Implementation of AB-PMJAY
Nadda clarified that the funding for AB-PMJAY is entirely demand-driven, with the National Health Authority (NHA) releasing funds based on actual requirements submitted by states and union territories. He further emphasized that there is no fixed state or UT-wise allocation for the scheme. Before receiving new funds, states must provide a utilization certificate for previously disbursed amounts.Expanded Coverage Under AB-PMJAY
The AB-PMJAY scheme provides a ₹5 lakh health cover per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations, benefiting around 55 crore individuals (12.37 crore families), who make up 40% of India's economically weaker population. However, the scheme does not cover primary healthcare services.Recently, the scheme has been expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above from 4.5 crore families, regardless of their socio-economic status, under AB-PMJAY with Vay Vandana cards, Nadda added.
This development highlights the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare accessibility for economically vulnerable groups, ensuring financial protection against medical expenses for millions across the country.
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