Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said that India’s healthcare sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driven by a strong commitment to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for every citizen.

In a social media post, Gadkari highlighted the impact of several flagship healthcare initiatives that have strengthened the country’s health infrastructure and accelerated progress towards the vision of a Swasth Bharat. He noted that the government’s efforts have expanded healthcare coverage, reduced treatment costs, enhanced digital healthcare access, and improved preventive healthcare outcomes across the country.

Among the key initiatives, the Minister cited the success of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), widely regarded as the world’s largest government funded health assurance scheme. The programme provides annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalization and has benefited millions of economically vulnerable households. Official data show that more than 44 crore Ayushman cards have been issued nationwide, while over 12 crore hospital admissions have been authorized under the scheme since its launch in 2018. The programme has also been expanded to include senior citizens, further strengthening financial protection against medical expenses.

Gadkari also emphasized the contribution of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in reducing healthcare costs for patients. More than 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are currently operational across the country, offering quality generic medicines at prices that are often 50 to 90 percent lower than branded alternatives. The initiative has helped millions of families lower their out of pocket healthcare expenditure while improving access to essential medicines.

Highlighting the role of technology in healthcare delivery, the Minister pointed to the success of the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform, which has facilitated more than 47 crore consultations across India. The digital health service has significantly improved access to medical advice and specialist consultations, particularly for people living in remote and underserved regions.

Gadkari further noted that healthcare transformation extends beyond treatment and medical infrastructure. He said the Swachh Bharat Mission has played a vital role in preventive healthcare by improving sanitation, promoting hygiene, and reducing the incidence of communicable diseases. The initiative has contributed to better public health outcomes while complementing broader healthcare reforms.

Echoing similar sentiments, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India today leads several of the world’s largest healthcare initiatives. He emphasized that the country’s healthcare reforms are rooted in the belief that a medical emergency should never become a financial crisis for any family. According to Goyal, the expansion of health coverage, affordable medicines, digital healthcare services, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.

Over the past decade, India’s healthcare ecosystem has also witnessed significant infrastructure growth, including the operationalization of more than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, expansion of medical colleges and seats, and the establishment of new AIIMS institutions across the country. These developments have strengthened healthcare delivery while improving the availability of trained medical professionals.

The government’s healthcare initiatives continue to focus on affordability, accessibility and inclusivity, reinforcing India’s efforts to build a stronger, more resilient and patient centric healthcare system for the future.