Health Minister launches Ayushman Sarathi – PM-JAY WhatsApp Chatbot

📌 Summary:

• Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda launched "Ayushman Sarathi", a PM-JAY WhatsApp chatbot developed by the National Health Authority (NHA)
• It gives citizens easy, secure and 24x7 access to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) services via WhatsApp
• Beneficiaries can access services anytime without visiting government offices or call centres
• Built on secure API-based integrations with PM-JAY systems for real-time information
• Key services: eligibility check, apply/download Ayushman Card, re-do eKYC, link Aadhaar, lock/unlock card, Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card (70+ years), view wallet balance
• Part of a broader push to make welfare-scheme delivery digital and citizen-centric

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Governance & Social Justice) — technology-enabled welfare delivery, last-mile access to health entitlements, and digital governance in the health sector.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• PM-JAY = Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
• Implementing agency: National Health Authority (NHA)
• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card covers citizens aged 70+ years
• Ayushman Sarathi delivered via WhatsApp

🔑 Key Term: AB PM-JAY — the world's largest government-funded health assurance scheme, providing health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care.