The Uttar Pradesh government has approved, in principle, a proposal to bring all ration cardholders in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat scheme. The move comes ahead of the state assembly elections and could expand access to cashless healthcare for crores of residents if implemented.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per year at empanelled hospitals. This means covered treatment expenses are paid under the scheme, subject to its eligibility conditions and rules.
3.63 Crore Ration Cardholders Could Benefit
Uttar Pradesh has approximately 3.63 crore ration cardholders, representing around 14.61 crore individuals who could become eligible for Ayushman Bharat benefits under the proposal.
If the plan is implemented, a large number of families could gain access to medical care without having to pay covered treatment costs upfront at participating hospitals. Government employees may also receive healthcare coverage through their respective departments.
However, the proposal’s approval in principle does not mean that the expanded coverage has already come into effect.
How the ₹5 Lakh Ayushman Bharat Benefit Works
The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat scheme provides eligible beneficiaries with cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh annually at listed hospitals. Applicants and beneficiaries must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and follow the scheme’s guidelines to access these benefits.
The proposed expansion aims to include all ration cardholders in Uttar Pradesh. However, official confirmation of its full implementation is still awaited. Beneficiaries should check the latest government announcements for details about eligibility and enrolment.
Government Expenditure May Rise to ₹15,000 Crore
Expanding the scheme to cover more people is expected to increase the financial burden on the Uttar Pradesh government. The state’s current annual expenditure on the programme is estimated at ₹6,000 crore to ₹9,000 crore.
With the proposed inclusion of additional beneficiaries, the annual cost could rise to approximately ₹15,000 crore. The expansion may therefore require additional budgetary support from the state government.
For now, the proposal has received in-principle approval, while details about its implementation remain pending.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The proposed expansion and its implementation status may change following official announcements. Readers should refer to government notifications and the official Ayushman Bharat portal for the latest information on eligibility, coverage and benefits.