PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM)
Syllabus : Govt Schemes (UPSC Prelims)
Source: PIB
Context
India’s health infrastructure mission — PM–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM) — was highlighted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for its remarkable progress in building pandemic-ready, equitable, and resilient healthcare systems across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Budget: ₹64,180 crore (2021–26) allocated to strengthen India’s health infrastructure for pandemic preparedness and emergency response.
- Scope: Upgrades healthcare services from primary to tertiary levels — including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), Integrated Public Health Labs, Critical Care Blocks, and Surveillance Systems.
- Alignment: Supports Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and SDG–3 (Good Health and Well-being) targets.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major gaps in India’s healthcare system — from testing and case detection to critical care and emergency response.
PM–ABHIM was conceived to ensure preparedness, resilience, and decentralisation in public health infrastructure, empowering the system to effectively tackle future pandemics and health emergencies.
Global Context — WHO’s Pandemic Agreement (2025)
In May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the first-ever Pandemic Agreement to improve global preparedness and ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Key Provisions:
- Creation of a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).
- Establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) for affordable access to medical supplies.
- The Agreement complements the International Health Regulations (IHR), updated in 2024 to strengthen outbreak detection and global cooperation.
PM–ABHIM aligns with these global commitments by advancing national preparedness and integrating surveillance and response networks.
About PM–ABHIM
Launched on October 25, 2021, under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, PM–ABHIM aims to build a self-reliant, accessible, and technology-enabled public health system.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and functions under a hybrid model — combining Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector components.
Policy Framework
PM–ABHIM builds upon key national health frameworks:
- National Health Policy (2017): Focuses on community-based health systems, local governance, and disaster preparedness.
- National Health Mission (NHM, 2005): Strengthens community-owned, decentralised healthcare delivery with emphasis on maternal health, disease control, and infrastructure.
- Ayushman Bharat (2018): Introduced four key pillars —
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY)
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
- PM–ABHIM — to upgrade health facilities and integrate care at all levels.
Key Objectives and Components
- Pandemic Preparedness:
Develop decentralised health systems capable of early detection and quick response to pandemics and disasters. - Infrastructure Strengthening:
- Establishment and upgradation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), Block Public Health Units (BPHUs), Integrated District Public Health Labs (IPHLs), and Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) across districts.
- Focus on both rural and urban healthcare (Urban AAMs in slum areas).
- Disease Surveillance:
- Creation of a real-time, IT-enabled disease surveillance network integrating laboratories from block to national levels.
- Health Research and Innovation:
- Promotes research on infectious diseases using the One Health approach (linking human, animal, and environmental health).
- Capacity Building:
- Strengthening training, human resources, and community engagement to support health security.
Progress and Achievements (as of 2025)
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component (FY 2021–22 to 2025–26):
- 17,788 Sub-Health Centres approved for upgradation into AAMs.
- 11,024 Urban AAMs (U-AAMs) established for slum and underserved areas.
- 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) under development.
- 730 Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) (one per district).
- 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in districts with populations over 5 lakh.
Total Administrative Approvals: ₹32,928.82 crore granted to States/UTs covering 9,519 AAMs, 5,456 U-AAMs, 2,151 BPHUs, 744 IPHLs, and 621 CCBs.
Financial Allocation (₹ crore)
| Component Type | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSS (Central + State + 15th FC) | 5828.04 | 9184.48 | 9324.11 | 11894.64 | 17973.50 | 54,204.78 |
| CS Components | 3327.92 | 1280.61 | 1691.69 | 1656.65 | 1382.89 | 9,339.78 |
| Grand Total (with M&E and PMC @1%) | — | — | — | — | — | ₹64,180 crore |
Significance
- Pandemic Readiness: Builds early warning and rapid response systems to tackle future health emergencies.
- Equitable Access: Strengthens healthcare delivery in both rural and urban areas.
- Research & Innovation: Advances disease surveillance and the “One Health” concept.
- Alignment with SDG–3: Supports goals of ending communicable disease epidemics and achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Conclusion
Four years after its launch, PM–ABHIM has transformed India’s health infrastructure landscape.
By investing ₹64,180 crore and expanding health facilities from villages to cities, India is building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready healthcare system.
Aligned with the Ayushman Bharat framework and global pandemic governance efforts, PM–ABHIM ensures that India remains prepared to protect public health and sustain progress toward SDG–3 and Universal Health Coverage.
