Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and its Impact on Healthcare Inequalities in India

Abstract

This article is about the healthcare inequalities that are persistent in the Indian healthcare system, and how effectively the Ayushman Bharat policy limits these inequalities. Ayushman Bharat, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a health initiative launched by the Government of India in 2018. This policy seeks to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to the economically disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of Indian society, aiming to mitigate healthcare inequalities. Despite the policy's many successes, its aim has not been completely achieved due to shortfalls in the policy's implementation paired with societal inequalities (especially persistent in the marginalized communities). Therefore, this paper shows and addresses these inequalities, with policy recommendations on how to develop the implementation of the policy to further limit inequalities in the Indian healthcare sector.