Stakeholder Perspectives on Ayushman Bharat- PMJAY: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Universal Health Coverage in India

Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India’s flagship health insurance program aimed at providing financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures for underserved populations. This literature review examines the perspectives of stakeholders—including policyholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers—on the effectiveness, implementation challenges, and impact of AB-PMJAY in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. Employing a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and grey literature, the study synthesizes evidence on access, awareness, quality of care, financial protection, and operational challenges. Findings indicate that while the program has significantly expanded health coverage, challenges remain in awareness, provider participation, claim settlement, and regional disparities. The review underscores the need for robust monitoring, targeted outreach, capacity building, and strategic policy interventions to optimize AB-PMJAY’s contribution to UHC in India.