India’s flagship health scheme, Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is facing a major slowdown in hospital registrations. In 2024, an average of 316 hospitals joined the scheme every month. But in 2025, that number has dropped sharply to just 111 per month.
According to the National Health Authority (NHA), only 443 hospitals were added in the first four months of 2025. The monthly data shows a concerning trend:
- January: 161 hospitals
- February: 187
- March: 40
- April: 15
- May: just 20 hospitals
Low Rates and Payment Delays Blamed
Health organizations say the low treatment rates fixed under PMJAY and delays in government reimbursements are discouraging private hospitals. A CEO from a well-known hospital chain in Delhi stated, “The treatment cost we spend is often higher than what the government pays. It’s not financially viable.”
Government sources argue that the new registration system may have caused delays in updating the numbers, and the real figures might improve in coming months.
Coverage and Services Under PMJAY
The scheme, active in all Indian states and union territories except West Bengal, offers over 2,000 types of medical treatments free of cost. These include cancer, kidney treatments, orthopedic procedures, and more.
Over 600 Hospitals Have Exited the Scheme
In the last Parliament session, Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, confirmed that since 2018, 609 hospitals have opted out of PMJAY. Reasons include hospital closures, staff shortages, and dissatisfaction with government-fixed treatment rates.
In some states like Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, certain treatments are only recognized if done at government hospitals, adding to the limitations.
