In a major step towards making healthcare more inclusive, the government is set to allow eligible citizens to apply for an Ayushman Bharat health card even without a ration card. This new initiative will enable families to avail cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh based on their Family Register details instead of relying solely on ration cards.

Until now, those who didn’t have an active online ration card were unable to enroll in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This excluded a large number of deserving families from accessing free healthcare services. But with this upcoming policy change, the scheme is expected to cover a wider population, ensuring health security for more people.

Proposal to Be Presented in the Cabinet

The health department has been instructed to prepare a proposal to present this amendment before the state cabinet. The move aims to maximize the number of beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and make the system more flexible and inclusive.

What Was the Previous Rule?

Previously, it was mandatory to have an active online ration card to apply for an Ayushman card. If someone’s ration card was inactive, cancelled, or unavailable, they were automatically disqualified from receiving the benefits of the scheme. This rigid eligibility criterion created hurdles for many who were otherwise eligible based on economic and social conditions.

Verification Will Be Strengthened

To ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries, the government is now also strengthening the verification mechanism. All block-level authorities have been asked to submit data on existing Ayushman cardholders. Following that, a comprehensive verification drive will be conducted to eliminate fraudulent entries and confirm that only deserving individuals are benefiting from the scheme.

Current Coverage and Progress

As of now, over 5.9 million Ayushman cards have been issued. The scheme is active in 283 hospitals, including both government and empanelled private institutions. Beneficiaries can receive free treatment for major illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalization without paying anything at the time of admission.

Separate Cards for Senior Citizens

Additionally, a special provision exists for senior citizens above the age of 70, called the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. For this category, there are no eligibility criteria other than age. Elderly individuals can apply and receive the card even if they don’t hold a ration card, income certificate, or other documents required for regular applicants.

This new policy allowing Ayushman card applications without a ration card is a welcome relief for many families across the country. By accepting Family Register documents as an alternative, the government is taking a bold step towards achieving universal health coverage. Once implemented, this initiative will not only expand access but also reduce the dependency on a single document for availing critical healthcare support.

Eligible citizens are advised to keep their Family Register documents ready and stay updated on the official announcement so they can apply as soon as the policy is launched.