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Delhi Residents Now Accessing Free Treatment Through Ayushman Bharat Scheme: All You Need to Know

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has officially begun offering cashless medical treatment in Delhi, marking a significant step forward in accessible healthcare. Since the card issuance began on April 10, more than 2,56,000 residents have received their Ayushman cards, and many have already started availing treatment through empanelled hospitals.

This nationwide health insurance scheme, aimed at providing financial protection to vulnerable families, is now helping Delhi residents access treatments worth lakhs of rupees—entirely cashless.

Ayushman Bharat Services Begin in Delhi

Delhi became a part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme from April 10, 2025, when card registrations commenced. Shortly after, the government also launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for senior citizens above the age of 70. Now, not only are cards being distributed rapidly, but empanelled hospitals have started admitting and treating patients under the scheme.

Currently, 93 hospitals in Delhi are enrolled under PM-JAY, including 11 government-run facilities. Officials anticipate that more hospitals will soon join the initiative, expanding the city’s healthcare access even further.

Despite these advancements, the scheme’s digital dashboard has yet to reflect real-time patient admission data, which still shows as zero. Additionally, there’s some ongoing confusion within hospitals regarding specific treatment packages and reimbursement details.

How Delhi Patients Are Benefiting

According to Dr. R.N. Kalra, Director of Kalra Hospital, the scheme has been beneficial since its nationwide launch, and now Delhi patients are starting to reap its rewards. His hospital, which has long been part of the scheme, sees 1-2 patients daily availing treatment under Ayushman Bharat. So far, 8 to 10 patients have received full benefits without spending a single rupee.

He emphasized the scheme’s value, particularly for economically weaker sections, calling it a “game-changer” in affordable healthcare. He also mentioned that patients can easily check the list of nearby empanelled hospitals online, using either district names or PIN codes.

Free Treatments Include Angiography and Angioplasty

Sanjeevan Hospital is another facility actively providing treatments under Ayushman Bharat. A recent case involved 57-year-old Maya Devi, a heart patient from Uttar Pradesh, who is undergoing treatment in Delhi. Her brother, Subhash Chauhan, shared that she was admitted on May 6, and has since undergone angiography, angioplasty, and other diagnostic tests. She received three stents and is currently recovering in the ICU.

What’s remarkable is that her family hasn’t paid anything for the treatment. Chauhan noted that the usual cost for such procedures would have ranged between ₹4 to ₹5 lakhs, but under Ayushman Bharat, the hospital billed just ₹1.5 lakh—entirely cashless.

How to Avail Free Treatment Using Ayushman Card

To receive cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital in Delhi:

1. Get your Ayushman Card online or through registered enrollment centers.

2. Ensure you have your ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID, which is now a prerequisite.

3. Visit an empanelled hospital and present the card at the helpdesk.

4. Once verified, you will be admitted and treated without paying upfront.

Patients are encouraged to check the updated hospital list online, which can be filtered by region or PIN code, ensuring easy access to nearby medical facilities.

Concerns Over Low Package Rates

Despite the promising start, there are concerns from hospitals regarding the current package rates. Dr. Prem Agarwal, President of the Delhi Hospital Forum, highlighted that while the scheme has a strong vision, its implementation requires refinement. He emphasized that the current financial packages for hospitals are insufficient to support the long-term sustainability of the program.

Sources within the healthcare system also echoed the need for better reimbursement rates to ensure smooth operation and continuous participation from private hospitals.

Final Thoughts

The successful rollout of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi is a major step toward achieving universal health coverage in India. With thousands already registered and hospitals beginning treatment under the scheme, it's clear that the benefits are reaching those who need them most.

However, for long-term success, policy-level adjustments and better funding models are essential. As the scheme expands, both patients and healthcare providers hope for smoother implementation and enhanced support.

For those seeking affordable medical treatment in Delhi, now is the time to register for your Ayushman card and explore the available services.