Ayushman Arogya Mandir: a revolutionary primary healthcare approach shaping India’s path to universal health coverage

The Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) initiative is a transformative approach in India’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), addressing long-term deficiencies in the primary healthcare system. Launched in April 2018 under the Ayushman Bharat program, AAM seeks to revolutionize primary healthcare by upgrading existing Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres to provide comprehensive, free of cost services spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. This strategic shift has significantly improved access, particularly in underserved and rural areas. By integrating expanded range of services including non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health into primary care, and by enhancing community mobilization and promotion, AAM has made substantial strides through improved population coverage, significant reductions in Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure, and enhanced screenings for common NCDs. However, challenges persist, including infrastructural inadequacies, workforce shortages, quality of health care, information technology systems and more. Future efforts must focus on addressing these gaps through improved infrastructure, robust training programs, and advanced health information technologies. Continued research and strategic policy adjustments are also crucial to sustaining and expanding the achievements of the AAM initiative, ultimately advancing India’s efforts towards UHC.