President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday highlighted the significant expansion of public healthcare services in the country, stating that more than 11 crore free medical treatments have been provided under the Ayushman Bharat scheme till last year. Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, she said the initiative has emerged as a key pillar of healthcare security for economically vulnerable families.

The President said that during the last year alone, around 2.5 crore poor patients received free treatment under Ayushman Bharat, reflecting the growing reach of the scheme across urban and rural India. She noted that access to quality healthcare has reduced the financial burden on families and prevented medical expenses from pushing households into poverty.

Highlighting the focus on senior citizens, President Murmu said that approximately one crore Vay Vandana cards have been issued to elderly citizens in the last one and a half years. Through these cards, nearly eight lakh senior citizens have received free in patient treatment in hospitals, strengthening healthcare support for the ageing population.

The President also referred to the expansion of primary healthcare infrastructure through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. She said more than one lakh eighty thousand such centres are now operational across the country, ensuring that basic medical services are available closer to people’s homes, especially in rural and underserved areas.

She further highlighted the government’s efforts to control major diseases, including large scale screening under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and targeted campaigns that have reduced the incidence of diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis in vulnerable regions. The President also noted that the World Health Organization has declared India free from trachoma, marking a major public health achievement.

Concluding her remarks on healthcare, President Murmu said a strong, accessible and affordable healthcare system is essential for national development. She added that preventive care, early diagnosis and institutional strengthening will remain central to India’s public health strategy as the country progresses towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.