The Union Budget for fiscal 2019 heralded two major initiatives in the health sector under the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme, in line with the goal of offering the highest possible level of health and well-being for all, at all ages, as envisaged in the National Health Policy, 2017.

First, the government committed Rs 1,200 crore for strengthening the existing physical health infrastructure for primary and secondary care through upgrading the health and wellness centres.

Second, to expand the coverage of secondary and tertiary care services, it announced the National Health Protection Scheme to cover over 50 crore poor and vulnerable beneficiaries (approximately 10 crore families) by providing coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.