India’s flagship healthcare scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, has recorded a major milestone with 11.69 crore hospital admissions approved as of February 28, the government informed the Lok Sabha.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, shared the data while responding to a parliamentary query, highlighting the rapid expansion and impact of the scheme across the country.
Private Hospitals Account for Majority of Admissions
Out of the total 11.69 crore hospital admissions under the scheme, 6.74 crore admissions have taken place in private hospitals, indicating a significant role played by the private healthcare sector in delivering services to beneficiaries.
The government reiterated that strict guidelines are in place to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is denied treatment under the scheme.
Empanelled Hospitals Rise Sharply to Over 36,000
The number of hospitals empanelled under AB-PMJAY has seen a substantial increase over the years. From 6,917 hospitals in FY 2018–19 (3,013 public and 3,904 private), the number has grown to 36,229 hospitals as of February 28, 2026.
This includes 19,483 public hospitals and 16,746 private hospitals, forming a vast nationwide network where eligible beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment.
Claim Settlement Within Fixed Timelines
The government emphasized that claim settlement under the scheme is a continuous and streamlined process. Claims are handled by respective State Health Agencies as per guidelines issued by the National Health Authority.
To ensure efficiency, defined timelines have been set:
- Within 15 days for intra-state claims
- Within 30 days for portability (inter-state) claims
All claims undergo detailed scrutiny based on clinical documents, investigation reports, and adherence to standard treatment guidelines.
Continuous and Voluntary Hospital Empanelment
Under AB-PMJAY, hospital empanelment remains a continuous and voluntary process. States and Union Territories onboard eligible healthcare providers based on requirements and availability, following guidelines laid down by the National Health Authority.
Strengthening India’s Healthcare Access
The steady growth in hospital network and high volume of admissions reflect the expanding reach of the scheme. AB-PMJAY continues to play a crucial role in improving access to affordable healthcare, especially for economically vulnerable populations across India.
