The Ayushman Bharat program, now Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), has the following strategic objectives:

It will provide access to universal healthcare. The policy ensures that there is quality medical care for citizens in India and all of the population, from whatever background one comes from.

-Reducing out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare: PM-JAY provides cashless and paperless healthcare services that reduce the burden of financial outlays on the individual and family during medical emergencies.

-Improving the quality of healthcare services: The scheme lays emphasis on quality healthcare and promotes the establishment of a network of empaneled hospitals with strict quality standards.

-Strengthening primary care: PM-JAY encourages the establishment of HWCs that deliver full-fledged primary healthcare at the doorsteps of all citizens.

Impact on Rural Indian Population:

The Ayushman Bharat has had the following impact on the rural population of India:

-Increased access to health care: To millions of people residing in rural areas, the program has significantly ensured quality health care is accessed. Many are from the economically weaker sections of society.

-Cost burden has reduced: Since PM-JAY covers most of the required medical expenses such as the hospital and surgery costs among others, the cost of health care as a burden upon rural households, has reduced.

It has also reduced catastrophic health expenditure. Earlier, many rural families were driven into poverty because of huge medical expenses. This platform has reduced the risk of catastrophic health expenditure, thereby enhancing the financial security of the household.

Women empowerment: PM-JAY provides special packages for women-related health issues that have empowered women in rural areas to acquire essential healthcare services.

Overall, Ayushman Bharat has transformed the entire healthcare landscape of rural India, availing quality health care services and reducing the financial burden associated with the same kind of medical expenses.