MUMBAI / NEW DELHI — A significant healthcare crisis is unfolding across India as a new eligibility rule under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has effectively disqualified hundreds of highly experienced cancer specialists from treating patients under the scheme.
The Core Conflict: Degrees vs. Experience
The controversy stems from a requirement by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Health Authority (NHA) that only doctors with NMC-recognised super-specialty degrees—specifically DM (Doctorate of Medicine), MCh (Magister Chirurgiae), or DrNB (Doctorate of National Board)—can be empanelled for oncology procedures.
This mandate excludes over 300 veteran oncologists who, despite decades of experience and leadership roles, hold prestigious fellowships from institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital or AIIMS rather than these specific degrees. Until a few decades ago, fellowships were often the primary route for oncology training in India before formal super-specialty degree courses were widely established.
Impact on Patient Care
The disqualification is particularly severe in non-metro and Tier-II cities, where fellowship-trained doctors often represent the only available oncology expertise.
- Rising Burden: India detects approximately 15 lakh new cancer cases annually.
- Specialist Shortage: There is currently only about one medical oncologist per million people and roughly 4,000 oncosurgeons nationwide.
- Treatment Delays: In cities like Surat or Patna, hospitals are reportedly ending contracts with these specialists because they can no longer generate PMJAY claims, forcing patients into longer waiting lists at overstressed government facilities.
The Deadlock and Response
Medical bodies, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO), have raised the issue with the NHA and NMC, arguing that the rule cannot be applied retrospectively to doctors who have practiced for years.
- NHA’s Stance: NHA officials maintain they empanel hospitals based on criteria set by the NMC and that state health authorities must handle local implementation.
- Potential Legal Action: Affected doctors have indicated they may move the High Court if state authorities do not provide a clear resolution or extension of eligibility.
As of April 2026, many experienced surgeons remain barred from the HEM 2.0 portal (the platform used to manage PMJAY claims), leaving thousands of low-income patients caught in a regulatory standoff.
