Advancing India’s Healthcare Transformation
The National Health Authority (NHA) organized a two-day national review meeting on October 15–16, 2025, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate and strategize the progress of two flagship health initiatives: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The event served as a vital platform for strategic alignment, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders to shape the future of digital healthcare in India.
Key Highlights of the Event
The meeting brought together prominent figures, including Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, CEO of NHA; Shri Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Kiran Gopal Vaska, Joint Secretary and Mission Director of ABDM; Smt. Jyoti Yadav, Joint Secretary of PM-JAY; and Shri J. Satyanarayana, former Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Senior officials, dignitaries, and experts from across India engaged in discussions to strengthen digital public infrastructure and enhance healthcare service delivery.
Launch of Strategic Initiatives
During the event, NHA unveiled its Annual Report 2024–25 and a Compendium of Best Practices from States and Union Territories, highlighting significant achievements and innovations under PM-JAY and ABDM. Dr. Barnwal presented a strategic roadmap for PM-JAY 2.0 and ABDM 2.0, emphasizing deeper integration and scalability to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.
“This review marks a pivotal moment in our journey to deepen digital health integration and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all. Ayushman Bharat, with its four strong pillars, has benefited over 45 crore people,” said Dr. Barnwal.
Recognizing Exemplary Performance
Dr. Barnwal felicitated states and union territories for outstanding claims management under the Zero Pendency Month initiative. Recognized regions included Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and Ladakh.
ABDM as Digital Public Infrastructure
Shri Kiran Gopal Vaska led discussions on ABDM’s role as the backbone of India’s digital health infrastructure. He introduced the upcoming ABDM Index, stating, “The ABDM Index will be a key enabler of accountability and innovation. Care coordination is the bridge between data and dignity; ABDM’s integration with PM-JAY is a game-changer.”
State Leadership and Collaboration
Smt. Jyoti Yadav showcased key performance metrics under PM-JAY, highlighting achievements in claims management, beneficiary coverage, and hospital empanelment. She stressed the importance of state leadership in scaling PM-JAY 2.0 to meet local needs while aligning with national goals. Shri J. Satyanarayana emphasized actionable contributions from states to position ABDM 2.0 as a global leader in digital health.
Site Visits and Practical Insights
NHA officials, including Dr. Barnwal and Smt. Yadav, visited two facilities in Bhopal to observe digital health integration in action:
- AIIMS Bhopal: The team explored the patient’s digital journey, from online OPD registration to e-prescriptions and digital payments.
- Sehat Setu—Care Integration Program Call Centre: Officials reviewed operations for handling emergency calls and grievances at the State Health Authority Office.
Thematic Sessions and Future Strategies
The meeting featured thematic sessions on ABDM’s role as digital infrastructure, PM-JAY performance highlights, and change management strategies. Discussions also covered the National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) and outcomes from the Zero Pendency Month initiative. Shri Vikram Pagaria, Director of ABDM, presented best practices implemented across states, while Shri Anurag Jain underscored the need for behavioral and institutional changes to ensure the success of both initiatives.
A Unified Commitment to Digital Health
The review meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate the nationwide rollout of PM-JAY 2.0 and ABDM 2.0. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among states and union territories, reinforcing India’s unified effort to transform healthcare delivery through digital innovation.