In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that 150,000 primary healthcare centres would become the ‘family doctor for the poor’. Rebranded as ‘temples of health’ or ‘health and wellness centres’, these were to offer free maternity services, immunisation, ultrasound machines, neonatal care and basic ophthalmic screening. In reality, despite a decline from 64.2% in 2013-14, out-of-pocket expenditure still accounts for 39% of total healthcare expenditure. The government’s auditor censured the programme in 2023, but the primary healthcare system remains beset by vacancies, lack of trained staff, dysfunctional equipment and shuttered centres.