Awareness and Utilisation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Rural Bengaluru, India: A Mixed-methods Study
Thomson C. Davis, Deepthi N. Shanbhag, Neha Nayak, Daniel P. George, Mark Bothello, John Adarsh, Naveen RameshAbstract
Introduction:
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India’s flagship government-funded health insurance scheme aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenditure. This study assessed awareness and utilisation of AB-PMJAY and explored barriers and facilitators among rural residents of Bengaluru.
Methodology:
A community-based sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted in 25 villages under the Primary Health Centre, Sarjapur, Bengaluru. Quantitative data were collected from 400 adults using a semi-structured interview schedule, followed by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the Good Reporting of Mixed Methods Studies (GRAMMS) guidelines.
Results:
While 54% were aware of AB-PMJAY, only 30% knew its benefits, with 48.2% possessing a card and just 3.5% utilising it. Awareness was significantly associated with residence status, BPL card possession and voting participation (
Conclusion:
Despite moderate awareness, utilisation of AB-PMJAY remains low due to information gaps and implementation barriers, underscoring the need for targeted IEC strategies and improved scheme delivery.