A plain-language overview of major public health schemes available to Indian citizens. Eligibility and benefits can change — always confirm current details on the official portals below.
India’s flagship health insurance scheme, providing cashless coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization, at any of the 36,000+ empanelled hospitals nationwide. Covers around 1,900+ medical procedures across 27 specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and nephrology — with no cap on family size and no exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Senior citizens aged 70+ get an additional, independent ₹5 lakh cover through the Ayushman Vay Vandana card.
Check eligibility: pmjay.gov.in · Helpline: 14555 or 1800-111-565
Formerly known as Health & Wellness Centres, these are upgraded Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres bringing free primary healthcare closer to communities — over 1.7 lakh centres now operational across India. Each AAM provides 12 service packages: maternal & child health, communicable disease care, screening for 5 common non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and oral, breast & cervical cancer), mental health support, care for epilepsy and dementia, substance use disorder support, palliative and elderly care, and basic eye, ENT, and dental care. Over 70 diagnostic tests and 40+ essential medicines are free at these centres, along with teleconsultation via eSanjeevani.
Find your nearest centre: ab-hwc.nhp.gov.in
A large infrastructure scheme working behind the scenes to strengthen India’s public health system — funding new Sub Health Centres, Block Public Health Units, District Integrated Public Health Labs (one per district), and Critical Care Hospital Blocks in districts with over 5 lakh population. This is what makes services like AAM and PM-JAY possible to deliver at scale, especially in underserved areas.
India’s digital health backbone — gives every citizen a free, voluntary ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID, a bit like a digital locker for your health records. Once linked, your prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries from participating hospitals and clinics can be accessed digitally, making it easier to share your medical history between doctors instead of carrying paper files everywhere. Over 86 crore ABHA IDs have been created so far.
Create your ABHA ID: abha.abdm.gov.in or ask at any AAM/hospital reception.
Cash assistance for pregnant women for institutional delivery, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, especially for women below the poverty line.
Free child health screening program covering birth defects, deficiencies, diseases, and developmental delays for children aged 0–18, with free treatment including surgeries where needed.
A network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras selling quality generic medicines at 50–90% lower prices than branded equivalents — useful for long-term medication costs.
Many states run their own additional health schemes (e.g. Gujarat’s Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana works alongside PM-JAY). Check your state health department’s website for local schemes you may qualify for.
Scheme details, coverage amounts, and eligibility criteria are subject to government updates. This page is a general awareness summary, not official guidance — always verify on official government portals before making decisions.