India, being a country with a massive population and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, has long faced challenges in delivering quality healthcare to every citizen. To overcome this barrier and ensur
India, being a country with a massive population and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, has long faced challenges in delivering quality healthcare to every citizen. To overcome this barrier and ensure that every Indian, especially the underprivileged, has access to affordable healthcare, the Government of India launched an ambitious program—Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
Launched in September 2018, Ayushman Bharat is regarded as the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme. Its primary aim is to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment for poor and vulnerable families and ensure that no person suffers due to lack of access to quality healthcare services.
In this article, we’ll explore what Ayushman Bharat is, how it works, who is eligible, what services it covers, how to apply, and why it’s a game-changer for India’s healthcare system.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is a flagship health insurance scheme initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
This scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization in both public and private empaneled hospitals across India. It aims to provide cashless treatment to more than 50 crore beneficiaries, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Ayushman Bharat is part of a broader plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India and has two major components:
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) – To provide primary healthcare services, diagnostics, and medicines close to home.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – To provide insurance for serious health conditions requiring hospitalization.
✅ Coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year
✅ Covers over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families
✅ Covers all members of the family, with no cap on family size, age, or gender
✅ Covers over 1,500 surgical and medical procedures
✅ Cashless and paperless hospitalization
✅ Valid across all states and union territories in empaneled hospitals
✅ No premium required from the beneficiary
✅ Portability: Treatment can be taken in any empaneled hospital in India
Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana is primarily determined based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit:
Households with no adult (16-59 years)
Families with only female members
SC/ST households
Landless households dependent on manual labour
Families living in one-room houses with kutcha walls and roof
People with disabilities and no able-bodied adult
Manual scavengers and destitute families
The eligibility is based on occupation. Examples include:
Rag pickers
Street vendors
Domestic workers
Rickshaw pullers
Construction workers
Sweepers/sanitation workers
Electricians and plumbers
Mechanics and repair workers
If your name is listed in the SECC 2011 database under the eligible criteria, you qualify for the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides coverage for more than 1,500 medical and surgical procedures, including:
Cardiac surgeries like bypass and stent insertion
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation)
Orthopedic surgeries (joint replacement, fracture treatment)
Kidney treatment (dialysis, nephrectomy)
Maternity care and caesarean deliveries
ENT, eye surgeries, and hernia operations
Mental health services
Pediatric care
Emergency trauma care
Pre-existing diseases are covered from day one. Hospitalization costs including diagnostic tests, drugs, consultation fees, room charges, and ICU care are also covered.
Checking eligibility is simple and free. Follow these steps:
Visit the official website: https://mera.pmjay.gov.in
Click on "Am I Eligible?"
Enter your mobile number and captcha code to get an OTP.
Select your state and search using name, mobile number, or ration card number.
If your name appears, you’re eligible!
You can also check eligibility at Common Service Centres (CSCs) or nearby Ayushman Mitra desks at empaneled hospitals.
If you're eligible, you can obtain your Ayushman Bharat Golden Card by following these steps:
Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) or empaneled hospital.
Provide your identification documents like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, or SECC certificate.
Your details will be verified through biometric authentication.
Once verified, your Ayushman Bharat e-card will be issued.
This card will be required for cashless admission and treatment at network hospitals.
Treatment under Ayushman Bharat is available at both government hospitals and private hospitals that are empaneled under the scheme.
These hospitals are equipped with trained staff called Ayushman Mitras, who assist patients in understanding the benefits, documentation, and treatment process.
You can find the list of empaneled hospitals on the official website or ask your local healthcare worker.
Ayushman Bharat has been a life-changing program for millions of families in India. Some of the biggest benefits include:
✅ Financial Protection: Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on medical treatments
✅ Equitable Healthcare Access: Even the poorest citizens can now access quality healthcare
✅ Increased Healthcare Awareness: People are more proactive about their health
✅ Portability of Treatment: Patients can get treatment anywhere in India
✅ Boost to Employment: New jobs in health sector through Ayushman Mitras and medical staff
✅ Promotes Preventive Health: With the help of Health and Wellness Centres
While the scheme has helped millions, it still faces certain challenges:
Lack of awareness among beneficiaries
Delay in claim processing at times
Limited number of empaneled private hospitals in remote areas
Need for better monitoring and grievance redressal systems
To address these, the government is constantly upgrading the system, including the introduction of digital health IDs, better hospital network coverage, and use of AI to detect fraud.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a revolutionary step towards making healthcare inclusive and accessible in India. With its wide coverage, cashless benefits, and commitment to improving the well-being of the poorest families, it has already transformed millions of lives.
If you or someone in your family may be eligible for Ayushman Bharat, don’t wait. Check your eligibility today, get your e-card, and secure your right to healthcare. After all, good health should never be a privilege—it should be a right for all.
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