Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers, JP Nadda, officially inaugurated Aarogya Manthan 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 25, 2026. This event commemorates eight years of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and five years of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Organised by the National Health Authority (NHA), the gathering attracted senior government officials, healthcare providers, insurers, technology experts, and academic representatives, among others.

The event aimed to evaluate progress in India’s health assurance and digital health systems while discussing priorities for the future. Nadda extended his congratulations to all stakeholders on these significant anniversaries, emphasising the importance of reviewing accomplishments and renewing commitments to improve healthcare for vulnerable populations in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive development.

Achievements and Expansions Under AB PM-JAY

During his address, Nadda noted the substantial growth of the AB PM-JAY since its introduction. He stated that the programme has emerged as the largest health assurance initiative globally, covering over sixty crore beneficiaries and facilitating more than thirteen crore hospital admissions. The financial scope of the treatments provided is valued at upwards of Rs 2 lakh crore. The Government has extended the coverage to include all senior citizens aged seventy and above, regardless of socio-economic status.

He further highlighted the portability aspect of the scheme, particularly beneficial for migrant workers, and commended the collaborative efforts of State Governments, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders in advancing the programme. Nadda asserted that the dual journeys of AB PM-JAY and ABDM exemplify how technology can transform healthcare delivery, enabling treatments across various locations through digital system supports.

Additionally, he informed attendees about the creation of over 97.8 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) and the linking of over 121 crore health records within the ABDM framework. There are more than 5.6 lakh health facilities and approximately eleven lakh healthcare professionals registered in this ecosystem, further enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Future Directions and New Initiatives

Nadda announced a series of new initiatives aimed at reinforcing the digital infrastructure of India’s health assurance system. Key launches included the National Healthcare Providers Registry Mobile App, a guide for the National Health Claims Exchange, and a secure data environment application. These provisions are expected to facilitate efficient data use while ensuring patient privacy, thus fostering opportunities for health research and innovation.

In his closing remarks, Nadda urged continued efforts to optimise digital technology in healthcare, striving for increased accessibility and patient-centric services. He expressed optimism that conversations at Aarogya Manthan 2026 would yield actionable results, further bolstering the nation’s health ecosystem.

Various stakeholders, including Dr M Srinivas from Niti Aayog and Ajay Seth, Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), also spoke on the occasion, emphasising the scheme’s impact on enhancing healthcare access and reducing financial burdens for economically weaker sections. They highlighted the necessity for continued progress in healthcare quality, interoperability, and patient-centric approaches.”

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