Steps taken to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on Healthcare by Households

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reports that the Government is pursuing multiple measures to curb Out‑of‑Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare. Central schemes such as the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat‑Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM‑JAY), Pradhan Mantri‑Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM‑ABHIM) and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) are being implemented. Under NHM, 1.87 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operationalised to provide comprehensive primary care. The National Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Service Initiatives supply essential medicines and diagnostics across health‑facility tiers. AB PM‑JAY offers ₹5 lakh annual cover to over 12 crore vulnerable families and, via the Vay Vandana Card, extends coverage to 6 crore senior citizens (70 years+) belonging to 4.5 crore families.