India’s approach to healthcare is going through a major upgrade, and Ayushman Bharat is leading the way. You’ve probably heard of its insurance scheme, PM-JAY, but not many know about the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) that are quietly making a big difference. By offering everyday care right in people’s communities, HWCs are helping create a healthier population and making insurance work better when it’s really needed.
ABHA Card: Steps to Create, Retrieve & Download Ayushman Bharat Health Account. ABHA ID enables you to easily store health data in your sharable Ayushman Bharat Health Account.
HWCs were launched in 2018 under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, they are upgraded versions of sub-centres and primary health centres (PHCs). These aren’t just places to get treated when you fall sick. Their goal is to give you comprehensive primary healthcare, from preventive care and early screenings to basic treatment and follow-up services.
The goal was to set up over 1.5 lakh HWCs across India by 2022, so that people, especially in rural and remote areas, could get healthcare closer to where they live.
Covers maternal and child health, family planning, non-communicable diseases, elderly care, and basic dental, eye, and ENT care.
Allows access to doctors and specialists through digital platforms.
Reduces out-of-pocket spending on medicines and tests.
Offers referrals which help connect you to higher centres for secondary or tertiary treatment.
You can walk into your nearest HWC directly or be referred by an ASHA worker or another health centre.
Based on your diagnosis, essential medicines are given on the spot, free of cost.
If your condition needs a doctor’s opinion, the staff then connects you to a doctor or specialist through a digital platform.
You can join yoga sessions, fitness classes, or awareness workshops happening at the centre.
If your condition requires further treatment or hospitalisation, the HWC refers you to a nearby secondary or tertiary hospital, often covered under PM-JAY if you're eligible.
Health insurance typically kicks in only after something goes wrong, when you’re hospitalised or need expensive treatment. But HWCs help in preventing those health shocks in the first place. Here's how they connect to the bigger insurance picture:
When people get treated for basic issues at HWCs, it eases the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals, allowing insurance companies and the system to function more efficiently.
Health isn’t just about hospitalisation. By combining preventive care with insurance, Ayushman Bharat offers a more complete ecosystem, from community-level care to full financial protection.
People who experience timely care at HWCs are more likely to engage with health systems early, use insurance responsibly, and avoid unregulated, high-cost private care.
Ayushman Bharat is built on two pillars, and together they form a system of constant or continuous care where HWCs handle everyday health needs and PM-JAY backs you during major illnesses or hospitalisations.
| Component | Focus | What if Offers |
| Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) | Primary care | Preventative care, screenings, outpatient care, health education |
| Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY) | Secondary & tertiary care | Hospitalisation cover up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year |
Even if you already have health insurance, Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) can make your day-to-day healthcare easier, cheaper, and more accessible.
You don’t have to dip into your insurance, or your wallet, for every health issue. HWCs provide free checkups, medicines, and basic diagnostics for everyday health needs.
You don’t need to wait for something serious to use your insurance. HWCs offer support for minor illnesses, follow-ups, and health concerns that usually fall outside traditional insurance coverage.
HWCs fill in the small but important health needs that insurance doesn't usually cover, like preventive care, family planning, elderly support, or mental health consultations.
Regular visits to HWCs can help track chronic conditions or risk factors, giving you a better picture of your health even before you make a claim.
If you do need to use your insurance for hospital care, HWCs can help you get referrals or connect you to the right facility, saving time and confusion.
You don’t need to travel to big hospitals or wait for appointments, HWCs are meant to serve your community, making it easier to manage your health close to home.
Health insurance alone can’t make a nation healthy. What it needs is a foundation of strong, accessible primary care, and that’s exactly what HWCs offer. By catching issues early, promoting healthy habits, and making everyday care affordable, Health and Wellness Centres are making health insurance more effective, sustainable, and meaningful.
2.5K Linkedin Followers 
Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya 
Acko Technology & Services Private Limited
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya, 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Products 
Company
Legal
Support
Car Insurance 
Bike Insurance
Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
Life Insurance
