Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a flagship healthcare scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018.
The most common use of the term “Ayushman” is in relation to Ayushman Bharat, a significant government health initiative, which is especially prevalent in India. A breakdown follows:
1. Bharat Ayushman (PM-JAY)
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a flagship healthcare scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide economically disadvantaged individuals with free health insurance. Important aspects: Provides ₹5 lakh (Approx $6,000 USD) per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
Covers over 50 crore (500 million) people.
It’s cashless and paperless at the point of service.
It covers more than 24,000 public and private hospitals.
2. Card of Ayushman
People eligible under the scheme receive an Ayushman card, which allows them to access healthcare services across listed hospitals.
3. Alternative meanings:
Ayushman is also a male first name in India, meaning “long life” or “blessed with long life”.
It could be referring to the well-known Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana.
✅ How to Get Treatment Using Ayushman Card
1. Verify eligibility Check to see if you or your family members are eligible for PM-JAY first:
Please go to https://pmjay.gov.in.
Click on “Am I Eligible”
Verify your mobile number with an OTP.
Check to see if your family name is listed.
2. Acquire Your Ayushman Card If eligible, you can get your Ayushman Bharat Card:
Visit the nearest CSC (Common Service Center) or hospital helpdesk
Provide ID proof (Aadhaar card usually works)
They’ll check your information and give you the card.
It can also be downloaded online through apps like the ABHA app or the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal in some states.
3. Find an Empaneled Hospital
You need to go to a hospital that is partnered with Ayushman Bharat (empaneled):
Search here: https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
Or ask your local CSC for help
The plan allows both public and private hospitals to participate.
4. Visit the Hospital
Carry your Ayushman Card and Aadhaar card
Visit the hospital’s Ayushman Mitra Desk or Helpdesk. They’ll check your information and walk you through
5. Get Free Treatment
Once verified, you can get cashless treatment for a wide range of illnesses including surgeries, therapies, and hospitalization.
The hospital is directly paid by the government, so there is no need to pay.
What procedures are covered? Major operations (cardiovascular, kidney, cancer, etc.) Care for the pregnant and newborn Orthopedic procedures (such as joint replacements and fractures) ENT, eye surgeries, and basic dental care General and specialist consultations
Pre- and post-hospitalization care, diagnostics, and ICU treatment Over 1,500+ treatment packages are covered.