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The state government’s Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) initiative is increasingly transforming the landscape of rural healthcare in the Prayagraj division, despite falling short of its original targets. Launched as part of a broader mission to extend primary healthcare to every citizen, the AAM programme aims to bridge the longstanding divide between urban and rural healthcare facilities in Uttar Pradesh. While officials had initially planned to establish 1,885 centres across the Prayagraj division, only 1,459 AAMs are currently operational. Nevertheless, the programme’s impact on local communities has been significant, highlighting its role as a vital lifeline for rural populations.

According to the health department, the shortfall of 426 centres has not dampened the effectiveness of existing AAMs, which provide a wide range of primary healthcare services even in remote villages. Many of these centres are equipped with telemedicine facilities, allowing rural residents to consult specialist doctors without having to travel long distances—a critical feature in areas where healthcare infrastructure has historically been limited. The integration of telemedicine ensures that essential medical services, from routine consultations to follow-up care, are more accessible than ever before.

Within the Prayagraj division, Prayagraj district leads the way with 675 operational centres out of a target of 773, followed by Pratapgarh with 302 operational centres against a goal of 501. Fatehpur has 281 centres functioning out of 349 planned, and Kaushambi has 201 operational AAMs compared to its target of 262, according to Dr. Rakesh Sharma, additional director of health. While acknowledging these numbers, officials also recognize the remaining gap, indicating that further efforts are needed to meet the initial vision for full coverage.

The operational centres are primarily located in rural areas, functioning either as Sub-Centre AAMs (SC-AAMs) or Primary Health Centre AAMs (PHC-AAMs). Of the 1,583 SC-AAMs approved for the current financial year, 1,189 have already been activated and are serving local communities. Similarly, 164 out of 179 PHC-AAMs have begun offering services, reinforcing the programme’s growing reach. Overall, 1,353 of the operational centres are in rural areas, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare at the grassroots level.

AAMs signify a fundamental shift from selective to comprehensive healthcare delivery. Unlike traditional programmes that focus narrowly on maternal and child health, these centres provide a full spectrum of services. This includes preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. The services extend to the management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, mental health support, oral care, ophthalmology, ENT services, and emergency and trauma care. Importantly, AAMs also supply free essential drugs and diagnostic services, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent access to healthcare.

The programme has been particularly beneficial in regions where access to healthcare was previously limited. In villages across the Prayagraj division, AAMs have reduced the need for long and costly travel to urban hospitals. Patients with chronic illnesses or requiring follow-ups now benefit from locally available services, while telemedicine links them to specialists when necessary. This model not only improves access but also encourages preventive care and early intervention, which are crucial for reducing the burden of disease in rural communities.

Beyond clinical services, AAMs contribute to community health education, promoting awareness about hygiene, nutrition, vaccination, and lifestyle management. By integrating these activities into the rural healthcare framework, the centres aim to create sustainable health outcomes and encourage healthier lifestyles among villagers. Additionally, the government has emphasized training and capacity-building for medical staff at these centres, ensuring that healthcare delivery is both competent and compassionate.

The success of the AAM initiative also reflects a broader policy shift towards decentralized healthcare. Rather than relying solely on district hospitals or urban medical facilities, the state is empowering local health centres to provide comprehensive care. This decentralization addresses historical inequities in healthcare access, particularly for populations in remote or underserved areas. The programme’s focus on rural infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that all citizens—regardless of geography or socio-economic status—have access to quality medical services.

Despite the shortfall in the number of operational centres, the programme’s achievements in rural Prayagraj are evident. By offering a wide range of health services under one roof, AAMs simplify healthcare access for rural populations and reduce dependence on multiple, scattered facilities. The combination of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services ensures continuity of care, while telemedicine bridges the gap between rural patients and urban specialists. Such integrated healthcare models are increasingly recognized as vital for improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Looking forward, officials aim to address the remaining gaps and establish the remaining centres to meet the initial target of 1,885 AAMs. Expansion plans include not only increasing the number of facilities but also enhancing their technological capabilities, staffing, and range of services. Continued government investment and oversight are essential to ensure that rural populations receive the full benefits of the programme and that healthcare delivery in the Prayagraj division achieves both equity and efficiency.

In summary, the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative is transforming rural healthcare in the Prayagraj division, offering comprehensive medical services that were previously inaccessible to many residents. Despite a shortfall in the total number of centres, the programme has already had a significant impact on community health, improving access to preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. With continued expansion and integration of technology, AAMs are poised to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure and reduce disparities between urban and rural populations. By prioritizing local access, comprehensive services, and telemedicine integration, the initiative is establishing a sustainable model for delivering quality healthcare to even the most remote villages, fulfilling the government’s mission to extend primary healthcare to the last person in the queue.