Patna, Bihar, June 28: In a moving testament to the life-changing impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Gyanendra Kumar Gupta, a resident of Patna, Bihar, received free kidney treatment under the central government’s flagship healthcare initiative.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Gyanendra penned an emotional letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thanking him for launching a scheme that has benefitted millions across the country. The Prime Minister, in turn, replied with a personal and empathetic letter, affirming his government’s commitment to the health and well-being of every Indian.
“Crores have benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and I am one of them,” Gyanendra wrote. “I was diagnosed with a kidney ailment, and under this scheme, I received treatment in Patna. This initiative is truly a boon for the poor and the middle class.”
Ayushman Bharat—also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year to over 55 crore Indians, primarily from economically weaker and middle-income groups. Since its inception, it has been hailed as the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme, aimed at ensuring that no Indian is deprived of necessary medical treatment due to financial constraints.
In response to Gyanendra’s letter, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Your health is our commitment. I am truly delighted to learn about your improved health. The information you shared in your letter about the successful kidney treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has brought immense satisfaction to my heart.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the long-standing burden of medical expenses on Indian families, noting that the Ayushman Bharat initiative was designed to eliminate this distress. “We have seen how entire families were pushed into poverty due to the high cost of medical care. Today, Ayushman Bharat ensures that no Indian is left untreated due to lack of funds,” he wrote.
Quoting the Sanskrit phrase “Shariramadyam khalu dharma-sadhanam” (the body is the primary instrument for all duties), the Prime Minister emphasized the role of health in national development. “A Swastha Bharat (Healthy India) is vital for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). A healthy citizen not only supports their own family but also contributes to building the nation,” he wrote.
Gyanendra’s story reflects the larger success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in reaching the grassroots. Prime Minister Modi highlighted this achievement, writing, “It is heartening to see the impact of government schemes at the ground level. To see people like you recovering and confidently moving forward in life is a big success for us.”
As India continues its journey toward universal healthcare, stories like Gyanendra’s underscore the transformative power of inclusive policy. With over 5 crore hospital admissions already recorded under the scheme, Ayushman Bharat is not just a policy—it is a promise that healthcare will no longer be a privilege, but a right for every citizen.
In his closing note, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to Gyanendra for a healthy and prosperous life ahead, reiterating, “Your letter is a reminder of why we began this journey—to ensure that no Indian is ever deprived of medical treatment.”
