India's Journey Towards SDG 3 And the Role of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Good health and well – being comprise the foundations of Sustainable development and human prosperity as speculated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal -3. This study evaluates India's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), focusing on 'Good Health and Well-being for All,' and assesses the role of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in strengthening public health systems. The research highlights significant advancements in various health indicators, particularly in maternal and child health, disease control, and access to healthcare services across India. Key achievements include a notable reduction in maternal mortality rate (MMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), and under-five mortality rate (U5MR), alongside improved rates of skilled birth attendance and antenatal care visits. Despite these successes, the study identifies persistent challenges, such as disparities in health insurance coverage, nutritional deficiencies (including underweight children and anaemia among women), and gaps in maternal and child health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Social issues like spousal violence and early marriage also continue to pose significant health risks. PMJAY, launched in 2018, aims to reduce healthcare expenditure for vulnerable populations by providing health coverage and strengthening healthcare delivery through initiatives like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and remote medical consultations. While the scheme has made substantial progress, ongoing efforts are crucial to address consultations. gaps, human resource shortages, and prevent fraud to ensure equitable health outcomes by 2030