India reaches major milestones in public health and digital health infrastructure

India’s public health and digital health infrastructure have reached significant milestones. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has surpassed 60 crore beneficiaries, facilitating over 13 crore hospital admissions and treatment valued at more than ₹2 lakh crore. The scheme, which provides up to ₹5 lakh in annual health cover per family, was expanded in October 2024 to include all citizens aged 70 and above.

On the digital front, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has reached 97.8 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs), with over 121 crore health records linked to the ecosystem. While digital ID registration has expanded rapidly through frontline workers and mobile-based processes, challenges remain regarding the integration of actual medical records. Field observations indicate that while IDs are easily issued in rural areas, the digital recording of medical consultations is often hindered by inconsistent power, lack of broadband, and the need for specialized clinical workflows in rural facilities.