The Ayushman Card is issued under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), one of the world's largest government-funded health insurance schemes. It provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
The card enables beneficiaries to access treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals across India without worrying about high medical expenses. It covers a wide range of treatments, including surgeries, diagnostics, medicines, and hospitalisation costs.
To avail of the benefits, eligible individuals must verify their details and generate an Ayushman Card through authorised centres or online platforms. Once issued, the card serves as proof of eligibility under the scheme.
The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on economically vulnerable families and improve access to quality medical services. Beneficiaries can receive treatment in any empanelled hospital across the country, making healthcare more accessible and portable.
Over the years, Ayushman Bharat has emerged as a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in India. By providing financial protection against major medical expenses, the Ayushman Card helps millions of families access timely healthcare while reducing out-of-pocket expenditure on treatment.
The Lok Sabha saw a stormy opening debate on the new examination bill, with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacking the government over the NEET paper leak and police action against student protesters.
On this Special Report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a development programme in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, highlighting the central government's efforts to boost the state's infrastructure and welfare. The Prime Minister officially launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, stating, 'Today, the PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched. This will benefit those working on carts and footpaths across the country.' He emphasized that over the last 11 years, the Centre has significantly invested in urban infrastructure and poor-centric schemes, including the PM Housing Scheme and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Modi also flagged off new Amrit Bharat Express trains, noting that enhanced rail connectivity will bolster Kerala's tourism and startup ecosystem. The address underscores the government's commitment to 'Viksit Bharat' by empowering the middle class and marginalized sections through banking integration and tax reliefs.
On this Special Report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a significant push for urban development and social welfare. The Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, stating, 'This will benefit those working on carts, stalls, and pavements across the country.' He highlighted the central government's commitment to transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub and strengthening rail connectivity in the state. Modi detailed various central schemes, including PM Awas Yojana, which has provided over 4 crore houses to the poor, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for free electricity. He also noted that the government has made income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free, significantly benefiting the middle class and salaried individuals in Kerala. The address underscores the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' through urban infrastructure investment and empowerment of the poor and middle class.
On this Special Report, an unidentified speaker discusses the findings of an investigation into the Ayushman Bharat health scheme. The speaker notes, 'The people who have been made to sit in the hospitals as the helpers or the counsellors under this scheme, they just outrightly reject these card holders.' The report highlights how private hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are allegedly denying free treatment to the poor despite the scheme's 9,000-crore budget. Another unidentified speaker points out that hospitals cite a lack of reimbursement from the government as a primary reason for the rejection. The discussion emphasises the gap between government announcements and ground reality, where patients outside major hospitals like AIIMS continue to suffer in the cold. The programme calls for accountability from health officials and a thorough investigation into potential corruption within the healthcare system to ensure the flagship scheme fulfils its promise of providing accessible medical care to those in need.
In this Special Report, India Today’s Special Correspondent Nitin Jain conducts a reality check on the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The investigation reveals that despite the scheme's promise of cashless healthcare, empanelled private hospitals in Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh are denying treatment to eligible beneficiaries. At Sushila Hospital in Outer Delhi, staff were caught on camera demanding extra payments, while Mukat Hospital in Chandigarh turned away patients with valid cards. The report exposes how the scheme is being flouted on the ground.
In this investigative report, India Today’s special correspondent Nitin Jain conducts a multi-state reality check on the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
On this Special Report, an India Today expose reveals the 'bitter truth' behind the Ayushman Bharat scheme. An Unidentified speaker highlights that while the government claims 'hefty numbers' of beneficiaries, patients on the ground face significant hurdles. Doctors admit that 'wait time for such patients is generally far too long' and some hospitals refuse admission due to lack of specialties or payment issues. The report also uncovers issues with 'fake cards' and biometric delays.
