🏥 Health Government Schemes 2026
24 schemes — eligibility, registration & benefits
All Health Schemes (24)
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Yojana 2026 — ₹5 Lakh Free Health Insurance
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), launched in September 2018, provides cashless hospitalisation coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year at 30,000+ empanelled government and private hospitals. PM-JAY is the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme, covering 55 crore+ people from the bottom 40% of India's population as per the SECC 2011 database. The scheme covers 1,949 medical procedures including surgeries, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, neonatal care, and mental health treatment — at no cost to the beneficiary. Beneficiaries can avail treatment in any empanelled hospital across any state, completely cashless, using the Ayushman Card. Senior citizens aged 70+ years now get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover. Over 8 crore hospitalisation cases have been covered under PM-JAY as of 2026.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) 2026 — Ration Anywhere in India | nfsa.gov.in
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) allows any NFSA beneficiary to avail their entitled ration from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) anywhere in India using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication. Migrant workers can now get ration in the city where they work, not just their home state. All 36 states/UTs are covered under ONORC.
National Health Mission 2026 — Free Health Services + Free Medicines + NHM ASHAs | nhm.gov.in
National Health Mission (NHM) is India's largest public health programme covering National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). It provides free essential medicines, diagnostics, and health services at government health facilities. Key components: ASHA workers, Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), free immunisation, and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana 2026 — Free Aids for Senior Citizens | Walking Stick, Wheelchair, Hearing Aid
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) provides free assisted-living devices (walking sticks, elbow crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles, dentures) to BPL senior citizens aged 60+ years who suffer from age-related disabilities. Devices are distributed at special camps organized by ALIMCO in camps at the district level. 100% funded by Central Government from Senior Citizens Welfare Fund.
AB-PMJAY Senior Citizens 70+ Free Health Cover 2026 — ₹5 Lakh Cashless | Vy Vandana Card
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for Senior Citizens 70+ is a landmark October 2024 expansion of India's flagship health insurance scheme. Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above gets ₹5 lakh per year cashless health cover at empanelled hospitals — REGARDLESS of income, BPL status, or pre-existing PMJAY enrollment. Families already covered under PMJAY get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up exclusively for senior members. The new Vy Vandana Card (Distinct Senior Card) is issued separately to 70+ citizens. Covers cardiac, cancer, kidney, joint replacement, neurosurgery, ICU, and 1,949+ procedures at 30,000+ hospitals nationwide.
Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) 2026 — Free Vaccination for 12 Diseases | Children & Pregnant Women
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) is India's flagship universal immunization campaign launched in August 2023 under the National Health Mission. It targets 100% full immunization of pregnant women and children aged 0–5 years against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases: tuberculosis (BCG), polio (OPV/IPV), hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, rotavirus, measles, rubella, pneumococcal disease, and Japanese encephalitis (in endemic districts). IMI 5.0 specifically addresses 'zero-dose' children and dropouts identified through digital data systems. The Mission Indradhanush series has so far covered 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women across all districts of India.
PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) 2026 — Cheap Generic Medicines at 14,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras | janaushadhi.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) makes quality generic medicines available at 50-90% cheaper prices than branded equivalents through Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs). Run by Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). Over 14,000 Kendras across all districts; sells 2,047+ medicines and 300+ surgical items. The Janaushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin is available at just ₹1/pad. Launched 2008 (rebranded 2015). PMBJP saves Indians ₹30,000+ crore annually in healthcare costs.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) 2026 — ₹600 to ₹1,400 Cash to Pregnant Women for Hospital Delivery | nhm.gov.in
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM), launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It promotes institutional delivery among pregnant women belonging to BPL/SC/ST families and reduces maternal and infant mortality. Cash incentive of ₹1,400 is given to women delivering in rural areas of Low Performing States (LPS: UP, UK, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Odisha, Rajasthan, J&K) and ₹600 in High Performing States (HPS) for rural deliveries. Urban area deliveries get ₹1,000 in LPS and ₹400 in HPS. ASHA workers get ₹600 (LPS rural) or ₹200-400 per case. Over 1 crore beneficiaries annually. Cash paid directly to the mother at the time of delivery or just after discharge.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) 2026 — FREE Delivery, Medicines & Transport for Pregnant Women | nhm.gov.in
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) is a central government initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM) that entitles ALL pregnant women delivering in government health facilities to absolutely FREE and cashless services — including C-section delivery, medicines, diagnostics (blood tests, ultrasound), diet, blood transfusion, and free transport (drop home after discharge). Launched on 1 June 2011, JSSK eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick newborns (0-30 days) at all government hospitals — district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and sub-centres. Key entitlements: (1) Free normal/C-section delivery; (2) Free medicines and implants; (3) Free diagnostics; (4) Free diet during hospital stay (3 days normal, 7 days C-section); (5) Free blood; (6) Free transport from home to facility and back; (7) Free treatment for sick newborn up to 30 days. Over 1.5 crore beneficiaries annually.
PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) 2026 — 22 New AIIMS + Super Specialty Hospitals | mohfw.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aimed at correcting regional imbalances in availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services in the country. Two main components: (1) Setting up new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) — 22 new AIIMS sanctioned (6 Phase I already established: Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Patna, Jodhpur, Raipur, Rishikesh; Phase II-VII adding more). (2) Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) — super specialty services in 75 Government Medical Colleges. Budget allocation: ₹14,832 crore (revised). Phase-wise establishment: Phase I (6 AIIMS), Phase II (2 AIIMS), Phase III (3 AIIMS), Phase IV+ adding hospitals. Beneficiaries: All patients — especially those in underserved states (UP, Bihar, MP, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, NE states) who previously had to travel to Delhi/Mumbai for super specialty care. Free OPD at AIIMS. Emergency services free.
PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2026 — ₹500/Month Nutrition Support for TB Patients (Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana) | nikshay.in
PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is India's mission to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 (revised to 2027). Under this, the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) provides ₹500/month direct cash support to all TB patients registered on the Ni-kshay portal for nutritional needs during their treatment. Additionally, Ni-kshay Mitra initiative allows individuals, organisations, and corporates to 'adopt' TB patients and provide nutrition support beyond government amount. NTEP (National TB Elimination Programme) provides free TB diagnosis and free medicines (Anti-TB drugs) at all government health facilities. TB patients also get free chest X-ray and CBNAAT/TrueNat molecular test. Social security benefit: DBT of ₹500/month throughout treatment duration (6 months to 2 years depending on TB type). 25 lakh+ TB patients registered on Ni-kshay. India aims to eliminate TB by 2027 (5 years ahead of global 2030 target).
National AYUSH Mission (NAM) 2026 — Free Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy Services | ayush.gov.in
National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of AYUSH that promotes traditional Indian medicine systems — Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) — across India. Key components: (1) AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries — over 27,000 AYUSH dispensaries and 4,000+ hospitals operational with free medicines; (2) Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) integrating AYUSH services; (3) AYUSH education institutions development; (4) Quality and standardisation of AYUSH drugs; (5) AYUSH mainstreaming in PHC/CHC. Citizens benefit: Free OPD consultation, free Ayurvedic/Homeopathic/Unani medicines at government AYUSH centres, yoga sessions, panchakarma at empanelled centres. Budget: ₹4,607 crore (2021-26). 50 Wellness Centres for yoga in every district under AYUSH Wellness Centres programme.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK) 2026 — FREE Health Screening & Treatment for Children 0-18 | nhm.gov.in
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK) is a national child health screening and early intervention programme under the National Health Mission (NHM) launched in 2013. RBSK covers ALL children from birth to 18 years — including newborns (0-6 weeks), Anganwadi children (6 weeks-6 years), and school children (6-18 years) — for FREE health screening across 4D categories: Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays including disabilities. 30 health conditions are screened including Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), club foot, cleft lip, cataracts, sickle cell disease, hearing impairment, vision defects, dental issues, anaemia, growth stunting, and more. Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) — 2 doctors/AYUSH practitioners, 4 ANMs/staff nurses — visit schools and Anganwadis. If a condition is detected, children are referred to District Early Intervention Centres (DEIC) for FREE treatment, including surgery if needed (funded by NHM). Over 10 crore children screened annually.
PM RAHAT Scheme 2026 — ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims
PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 February 2026, provides cashless emergency medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for road accident injuries — for the first 7 days from the date of accident. The scheme covers any road accident victim on any category of road across India, including hit-and-run cases. Treatment is provided at hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Stabilization care is guaranteed for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases. Hospitals are reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) — funded by insurance company contributions and government allocation for uninsured/hit-and-run cases. PM RAHAT is integrated with the ERSS 112 emergency response system and is a landmark golden-hour intervention designed to save lives lost annually on Indian roads due to delayed care.
Mission POSHAN 2.0 & Saksham Anganwadi 2026 — Anganwadi Nutrition Mission
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 is India's flagship nutrition programme — one of the world's largest — bringing together ICDS Anganwadi Services, Supplementary Nutrition Programme, the original POSHAN Abhiyaan, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and the National Crèche Scheme. POSHAN 2.0 covers nearly 9 crore beneficiaries through 14 lakh+ Anganwadi Centres across India. Beneficiaries include pregnant women, lactating mothers, children below 6 years, and adolescent girls (14–18 years). The Poshan Tracker app (launched March 2021) provides near real-time data on Anganwadi attendance, ECCE activities, growth monitoring, and home visits. Mission POSHAN 2.0 received ₹21,960 crore in the Union Budget 2025–26 and is a key intervention to address stunting, wasting, and anaemia among India's vulnerable populations.
AB-HWC / Ayushman Arogya Mandir 2026 — 1.7 Lakh Wellness Centres
Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC), now also known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), are the foundational pillar of India's Universal Health Coverage vision launched in February 2018. Over 1.7 lakh existing Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded into HWCs to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) closer to communities. AAM centres provide 12 service packages including maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD) screening (hypertension, diabetes, oral/breast/cervical cancer), mental health support, basic eye/ENT care, geriatric care, palliative care, dental care, yoga sessions, and tele-consultation through eSanjeevani. The scheme also provides free essential drugs (40+ medicines) and free diagnostic services (14+ tests) at the doorstep level — a major shift from selective primary care to comprehensive primary care.
Anaemia Mukt Bharat 2026 — Iron Folic Acid Supplementation 6x6x6 Strategy
Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) is the Government of India's flagship intensified national strategy to combat anaemia — implemented through a 6×6×6 framework (6 target beneficiary groups, 6 interventions, 6 institutional mechanisms). Launched under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Operational Guidelines, AMB targets children aged 6 months to 19 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Interventions include prophylactic Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation in age-appropriate doses, biannual deworming (Albendazole), intensified Behaviour Change Communication, testing using digital haemoglobinometers at Anganwadis and HWCs, and treatment of severe anaemia at PHCs/CHCs. Implementation is via ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi Workers under National Health Mission. AMB is critical to reducing India's high anaemia prevalence (57% in women aged 15–49) and is integrated with POSHAN 2.0 and the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) programme.
IPOP / Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana 2026 — Senior Citizens Welfare Programme
Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP), launched in 1992 and renamed as 'Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)' in 2020, is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment providing grant-in-aid to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), State Governments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and Local Bodies for various services targeting senior citizens (aged 60+ years). IPOP funds: (1) OAH — Old Age Homes (24x7 residential care for destitute elderly), (2) Day Care Centres (for elderly with no daytime caregiver), (3) Mobile Medicare Units (medical services to bedridden/distant elderly), (4) Multi-Service Centres for Older Persons, (5) Helplines for Senior Citizens (1090, Elderline 14567), and (6) Continuous Care Homes for Bedridden Elderly. The scheme is demand-driven with grant-in-aid covering up to 90% of operational cost (NGO contributes 10%) — disbursed through the e-Anudaan portal. IPOP is complemented by the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) which gives free assistive devices (walking sticks, hearing aids, wheelchairs, dentures) to BPL elderly.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) 2026 — Free ABHA Health ID Card for Every Indian | abha.abdm.gov.in
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is India's flagship digital health initiative launched on 27 September 2021 by PM Modi, creating a national digital health ecosystem. The mission's centrepiece is ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) — a unique 14-digit health ID number assigned free to every Indian citizen. ABHA allows you to securely store, access, and share your entire health history (prescriptions, lab reports, discharge summaries, vaccination records) in a digital locker accessible through the ABHA app or website. As of 2026, over 60 crore ABHA IDs have been created across India. The mission also includes Health Professional Registry (HPR) for doctors, Health Facility Registry (HFR) for hospitals, and Unified Health Interface (UHI) for app-to-app interoperability. ABHA is the foundation of India's Ayushman Bharat ecosystem — required for faster Ayushman Bharat PMJAY claims, cashless hospital admissions, and prescription verification. Under PM Ayushman Bharat Yojana for 70+ senior citizens, ABHA card is the gateway to linking your health record with your ₹5 lakh coverage.
PMSMA 2026 — Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Free ANC Checkup on 9th | nhm.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a centrally-funded initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM) launched in 2016. It guarantees free comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) checkup to every pregnant woman on the 9th of each month at government health facilities. Under PMSMA, all pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester get: free blood pressure measurement, weight, abdomen check, haemoglobin test, urine albumin/sugar test, blood group and Rh factor, syphilis test (VDRL), and ultrasound (where available). Doctors from private sector also voluntarily participate as PMSMA volunteers to extend services at PHCs and CHCs in rural areas. High-risk pregnancies are identified, labelled with red stickers, and tracked through delivery. Over 3.8 crore ANC checkups have been conducted since launch. States use PMSMA data to track maternal mortality and reduce preventable maternal deaths.
PM-ABHIM 2026 — Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission: ₹64,000 Crore for Public Health Infra | nhm.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is the central government's largest public health infrastructure investment scheme, announced in October 2021 with a budget of ₹64,180 crore over 6 years (2021-22 to 2025-26). PM-ABHIM fills critical gaps in India's public health infrastructure to prepare for future pandemics and strengthen primary, secondary, and tertiary health systems. Key components: (1) Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): Upgrading 17,788 additional Sub Health Centres to HWCs (comprehensive primary care with free medicines, free diagnostics, telemedicine); (2) Critical Care Hospital Blocks: 12 Central Institutions (AIIMS-equivalent) + 157 new medical colleges at district hospitals; (3) National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) network expansion — 5 new regional BSL-3 labs, 20 metropolitan health surveillance units; (4) One Health Programme — 15 BSL-3 labs for zoonotic disease surveillance; (5) National Health IT infrastructure — Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for disease surveillance. This is NOT a direct benefit scheme for individuals — it funds infrastructure creation that benefits all patients using government hospitals.
National Programme for NCD Prevention 2026 — Free Cancer/Diabetes/BP Screening at PHCs | nhm.gov.in
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is a centrally sponsored programme under the National Health Mission (NHM) providing free screening, diagnosis, and management of the 4 major NCDs: (1) Cancer (oral, cervical, breast); (2) Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart disease); (3) Diabetes; (4) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)/Stroke. Free services provided at government health facilities: Population-level screening at Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) — every citizen above 30 years is offered screening for all 4 NCD categories; Free essential NCD medicines at PHCs/CHCs (Metformin, Glibenclamide for diabetes; Amlodipine, Atenolol for hypertension; Aspirin for cardiac); Free diagnostics (blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI, Pap smear, CBE); NCD Clinics at district hospitals for confirmed cases — consultation, management, and follow-up free of cost. The NCD 'Sankalp Portal' tracks patients across facilities. Over 10 crore citizens screened under NCD programme as of 2025.
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme 2026 — Free Dialysis for BPL Kidney Patients | nhm.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) is a centrally-funded health scheme launched in 2016 under the National Health Mission to provide free haemodialysis services to Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) at government district hospitals. India has 2.2 lakh new CKD patients requiring dialysis annually, but <10% could access affordable dialysis before PMNDP. Cost of dialysis in private: ₹1,500-3,000 per session, 3 sessions/week = ₹18,000-36,000/month — unaffordable for BPL families. Under PMNDP: PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model: Private dialysis service providers set up dialysis centres inside government district hospitals and provide dialysis free to BPL patients (cost borne by NHM). Non-BPL patients also access at subsidized rates. Currently 5,000+ dialysis machines operational across 800+ district hospitals. Over 20 lakh dialysis sessions provided annually to 75,000+ BPL patients.
ASHA Worker Incentive Scheme 2026 — Performance-Based Incentives for 10 Lakh ASHA Workers | nhm.gov.in
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) Worker Incentive Scheme is a performance-based incentive programme under the National Health Mission (NHM) for India's 10.3 lakh ASHA workers — the backbone of India's primary healthcare delivery system. ASHA workers are volunteer community health workers (not government employees) who receive incentives (not salary) for specific health activities. Key incentives: Institutional delivery linkage: ₹600/delivery (rural JSY linked) + ANM incentive; Immunization: ₹75 for full immunization of a child under 2 years; TB patient tracking (PM TB Mukt Bharat): ₹1,000 for each sputum-positive TB patient notified + ₹500/month during treatment support; Family Planning: ₹150-300 per couple accepted permanent/temporary family planning methods; Pregnancy registration: ₹200 per registered pregnant woman (early ANC); Child care: ₹50 per ORS packet distributed during diarrhoea, ₹100 per severe acute malnourishment referral. Total ASHA annual earnings: ₹20,000-50,000/year in most states (some states offer additional state-specific incentives of ₹2,000-4,000/month fixed). Budget 2024-25: ASHA incentives enhanced by 25% for TB, maternal health, and immunization activities.
About Health Government Schemes in India 2026
Central health schemes provide hospital insurance, nutrition support, and maternal care to crores of Indian families. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers 55 crore+ beneficiaries with ₹5 lakh/year hospitalisation at 30,000+ empanelled hospitals — completely free for eligible families. PM Matru Vandana Yojana provides ₹5,000 maternity benefit in three installments. PM POSHAN feeds 11.8 crore school children across 10.6 lakh schools daily. E-Shram card gives ₹2 lakh accident insurance to 30 crore+ unorganised workers. Jan Aushadhi Kendras supply generic medicines at 50–90% below MRP. Check Ayushman eligibility at beneficiary.nha.gov.in or the nearest CSC.