Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY reaches 600 million beneficiaries in eight years

India's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has extended health coverage to 600 million people over the eight years since its inception, according to figures released by the health ministry.

The scheme has also seen 485 million Ayushman Cards issued to eligible beneficiaries, underlining the programme's reach across the country's vast and diverse population.

The milestone marks a significant moment for one of the world's largest government-funded health assurance initiatives, which was designed to provide financial protection to low-income families against the cost of hospitalisation and medical treatment.