NEW DELHI
India’s flagship health program, Ayushman Bharat, has officially crossed a major milestone, providing life-saving care to millions.
The government informed Parliament that the scheme recorded a staggering 11.69 crore hospital admissions by the end of February 2026. Notably, private hospitals played a huge role, handling over 6.7 crore of those cases.
Minister Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that strict rules are in place to ensure no eligible patient is turned away. If a hospital denies treatment, citizens can quickly fight back.
The government has set up a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 14555 and a digital grievance system. Complaints are handled at three levels—district, state, and national—to make sure every issue is resolved fairly and quickly.
The program’s reach has grown impressively over the last few years. In 2018, only about 6,900 hospitals were part of the network. Now that number has surged to over 36,000 facilities, split almost evenly between public and private providers. This massive expansion means that families in even the most remote areas can now access high-quality medical care nearby.
To keep the system running smoothly, the government is also speeding up payments to hospitals. Most claims are now settled within just 15 days. This efficient partnership between the government and private doctors is transforming healthcare across India. By making medical treatment affordable and reliable, the scheme is ensuring that a sudden illness no longer means financial ruin for the nation’s families.