India has reached a major public healthcare milestone. As of 31 December 2025, the country has operationalised over 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), significantly strengthening access to quality primary healthcare nationwide.
According to a recent update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this expansion marks a decisive step toward universal, people-centric healthcare and reflects the government’s long-term vision for a healthier India.
What Are Ayushman Arogya Mandirs?
At the core of this transformation are Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which upgrade existing Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
Instead of limiting care to basic treatment, these centres actively deliver preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services. As a result, healthcare now reaches people closer to their homes, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Comprehensive Healthcare Through 12 Essential Services
Importantly, every Ayushman Arogya Mandir provides 12 essential healthcare service packages under one roof. Together, these services ensure continuity of care across all life stages.
These include:
- Maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent healthcare
- Family planning and reproductive health services
- Screening and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer
- Control and treatment of communicable diseases
- Mental health services and basic neurological care
- Elderly and palliative care
- Oral health, ENT, and basic eye care
- Support for substance use disorders, including tobacco and alcohol
- Basic emergency medical services
Consequently, the focus has shifted from illness-based treatment to long-term wellness and prevention.
Wider Access to Medicines and Diagnostics
To support this expanded role, the government has strengthened medicine and diagnostic availability at every level. As a result, patients now receive faster and more affordable care.
- PHC-level AAMs provide
- 172 essential medicines
- 63 diagnostic tests
- SHC-level AAMs offer
- 106 essential medicines
- 14 diagnostic tests
Because of this expansion, patients spend less on out-of-pocket expenses and avoid unnecessary referrals to distant hospitals.
Strong Push in Tribal and Aspirational Districts
Notably, the programme prioritises areas that traditionally lacked healthcare access. Therefore, the government has fast-tracked implementation in high-need regions.
- 30,817 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operate across 178 tribal districts
- 24,327 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs function in 112 aspirational districts
As a result, healthcare disparities between urban and remote regions continue to narrow steadily.
Government’s Strategy: Strengthen Primary Care First
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Prataprao Jadhav emphasised that strong primary healthcare forms the backbone of a resilient health system.
By expanding Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the government aims to:
- Detect diseases early and prevent complications
- Reduce overcrowding in district and tertiary hospitals
- Improve health outcomes through timely intervention
- Move closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Therefore, primary care now plays a central role in India’s healthcare planning.
Why This Expansion Matters
Overall, the rapid growth of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs signals a structural shift in India’s public health approach. Instead of reacting to illness, the system now proactively promotes wellness, early diagnosis, and continuity of care.
Moreover, with mental health, elderly care, and NCD management available at the grassroots level, these centres are becoming the first and most trusted point of care for millions of Indians.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to scale up Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the impact on public health indicators is expected to grow further. Ultimately, this initiative is not just about infrastructure—it is about equitable access, dignity, and healthier communities.
In the long run, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are set to anchor India’s journey toward a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system.
