Very few 500+ Bedded hospitals empanelled under PMJAY Nationwide: Minister replies to Arora

Ludhiana, March 19, 2024: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) aims at providing access to quality healthcare to about 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12 crore families. To achieve this objective, hospitals are empanelled under the scheme by respective State Health Agencies (SHAs). SHAs have been provided flexibility to customize hospital empanelment criteria based on the condition of demand and supply.

This has been stated by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prof S P Singh Baghel in reply to a question on `Participation of Larger Hospitals in the AB-PMJAY’ asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora in the recently concluded interim budget session of Rajya Sabha. Arora had asked whether the average bed capacity of empanelled hospitals stands at a mere 45 beds currently; and the measures government is implementing to increase the participation of larger hospitals in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ensuring that patients with critical conditions receive adequate treatment.

In a statement here today, Arora said the Minister further mentioned in his answer that as on January 15, 2024, a total of 27,742 hospitals including 11,973 private hospitals with 13.3 lakh beds have been empanelled under the scheme. Out of these, a total of 7,005 hospitals empanelled under AB-PMJAY have more than 50 beds, while 3,196 hospitals have more than 100 beds. A total of 435 hospitals which have more than 500 beds, have also been empanelled under the scheme. Further, out of the total number of empanelled hospitals, 234 Medical Colleges have also been empanelled under AB-PMJAY. Many corporate hospitals are also empanelled under the scheme.

The Minister further answered that various Central Ministries such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Home Affairs have been engaged to identify and empanel hospitals run by these Ministries. As on December 31, 2023, a total of 593 hospitals, which are run by Central Government, have been empanelled under the scheme.

The Minister also mentioned that all government hospitals with in-patient services or daycare facilities are deemed empanelled under the scheme. Therefore, smaller hospitals are also empanelled under the scheme. Further, many single specialty hospitals that cater to high-end treatment, are also empanelled. The empanelment policy of the scheme aims at ensuring access to quality healthcare services at the closest facility. He said hospital empanelment is a continuous process. 

To further improve their participation, a two-pronged strategy has been adopted. SHAs have been given flexibility to customize empanelment guidelines to suit local needs. Follow-ups with prominent hospital chains for empanelment under the scheme are also taken up. To improve the participation of already empanelled hospitals, the steps are being taken.