Kashmir , March 24, 2025 – Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Ward No. 13, Basohli, in Jammu and Kashmir, recently underwent a successful eye operation under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Expressing his gratitude, he praised the government for making quality healthcare accessible to all, a sentiment echoing across the Union Territory as the scheme continues to transform lives. His story is a testament to how J&K is benefiting from this flagship healthcare initiative, which provides free medical treatment to eligible citizens.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by the central government in 2018 and extended to J&K by December 2020, offers health coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. In J&K, the scheme has been integrated with the local SEHAT program, ensuring broader reach and inclusivity. This has been particularly significant in a region where access to advanced healthcare has historically been a challenge due to geographical and infrastructural constraints.
Rakesh Kumar’s case underscores the scheme’s success in delivering critical medical interventions, such as eye surgeries, to underserved communities. Basohli, a town in the Kathua district, is one of many areas where residents now have access to empaneled hospitals—both public and private—offering cashless treatment. Regional reports highlight similar success stories, with individuals and families thanking the scheme for alleviating the financial burden of healthcare.
The impact in J&K is evident in the numbers as well. As of early 2025, over 36 million Ayushman cards have been issued nationwide, with J&K contributing significantly to this tally. Hospitals like the one in Rajouri, which caters to patients from Reasi and Poonch, have provided free treatment for serious conditions, including cancer, under the scheme. This demonstrates how it bridges gaps in healthcare access across the Union Territory’s diverse regions, from Jammu’s plains to Kashmir’s valleys.
Moreover, the scheme has spurred improvements in healthcare infrastructure. In November 2024, 365 medical officers were appointed to peripheral health institutes in J&K, strengthening grassroots facilities. Additionally, 41 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational in rural areas like Kalakote and Sunderbani, ensuring primary care alongside the hospitalisation benefits of the scheme.
Despite challenges—such as private hospitals temporarily suspending services in March 2025 due to rate disputes with the J&K State Health Agency—the scheme’s overall reception remains positive. The High Court of J&K and Ladakh recently directed the Health and Medical Education Department to reconsider allowing key surgeries in private hospitals, signalling efforts to balance public and private sector roles in delivering these benefits.
For J&K, a region navigating political and economic transitions, Ayushman Bharat has emerged as a lifeline. Residents like Rakesh Kumar exemplify how the scheme empowers individuals by removing financial barriers to essential care. His gratitude reflects a broader sentiment: J&K is indeed benefiting, one successful surgery at a time.