Opinion | Ayushman Bharat

So that no Indian is ever deprived of medical treatment!

A New Lease of Life for Bihar’s Gyanendra through Ayushman Bharat

Prime Minister Modi writes a letter, saying: ‘Your health is our commitment’

“Crores have benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and I am one of them. I was diagnosed with a kidney ailment, and under this scheme, I received treatment in Patna, Bihar. This scheme is greatly benefitting the poor and middle-class sections of the country. It is indeed an effective and beneficial initiative.”

These words, filled with contentment for the accessible medical treatment and the relief of receiving care free of cost, are from Shri Gyanendra Kumar Gupta of Bihar, whose kidney treatment was made possible at no charge through the Ayushman Bharat scheme. After his recovery, Gyanendra wrote a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his gratitude.

Thanks to this transformative scheme, crores like Gyanendra—who, just a decade ago, might have fallen below the poverty line due to the crushing burden of healthcare expenses—have been able to access essential medical care. In this context, the revolutionary initiative of providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh has proved to be a blessing for 55 to 60 crore Indians, particularly those from economically weaker sections, the middle class, and the elderly.

Although universal healthcare had been discussed in the country before, it is for the first time that a government has provided the world’s largest healthcare facility, with free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. That is why the sentiments of beneficiaries naturally overflow with gratitude. When Gyanendra expressed his emotions in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister too responded with warmth and empathy, reflecting his deep connection with the citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Gyanendra Kumar Gupta, a resident of Patna, Bihar, conveying his heartfelt wishes for his continued recovery. The Prime Minister’s letter is a clear reflection of his sensitive and sincere commitment to the welfare of the people of the country. He wrote in his letter, “I am truly delighted to learn about your improved health… The information you shared in your letter about the successful kidney treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has brought immense satisfaction to my heart.”

In his letter, Gyanendra had written, “Your (PM Modi’s) courage and persona continue to offer relief and guidance to the people of the nation.” In response, the Prime Minister too could not help but pour his emotions into words. He wrote, “We have witnessed how the entire life savings of families are wiped out in an instant due to medical expenses. Often, people would avoid seeking treatment altogether due to these costs. Today, Ayushman Bharat is ensuring that no Indian is deprived of healthcare. This scheme has demonstrated how proper treatment can give new hope and direction to a person’s life.”

Prime Minister Modi further wrote about how essential a Swastha Bharat (healthy India) is for building a Viksit Bharat (developed India). A healthy individual not only supports their own family but also plays an active role in the nation-building process. Accordingly, in his letter to Gyanendra, the Prime Minister wrote, “It is said—‘Shariramadyam khalu dharma-sadhanam’, meaning the body is the foremost instrument for fulfilling all duties and responsibilities. When citizens are healthy, only then can the nation become strong and capable.”

The Prime Minister noted that it is truly gratifying to see that central government schemes are reaching ordinary citizens at the grassroots and bringing about real changes in their lives. He added, “To witness people like you confidently moving forward in life once again after treatment is a significant achievement for us.”

In conclusion, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for Gyanendra’s good health and bright future.

Undoubtedly, the Ayushman Bharat scheme represents a healthcare revolution in pursuit of a Viksit Bharat. In fact, studies show that even a one-year increase in life expectancy, owing to improved healthcare, can boost GDP by up to 4%. In this context, the significance of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for a vast and diverse country like ours can be easily understood.