Major Changes in Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme is undergoing significant changes, with 112 diseases now offering free treatment and surgeries exclusively in government hospitals across the country. The National Health Authority has already reserved 23 packages for government facilities and has directed state health authorities to reserve an additional 89 packages by December 1, 2026. States will, however, retain the discretion to decide whether to remove these packages from private hospitals.
This move aims to standardize the system at a national level, as several states have already partially implemented similar reservations. The new list of packages reserved for public health facilities will be implemented in the Transaction Management System (TMS) starting December 1, 2026. This change is expected to reduce costs associated with private healthcare and strengthen government hospital facilities, directly benefiting patients.
The 112 packages cover a wide range of daycare treatments, surgeries, and long-term treatments, including high-risk deliveries, alcoholic liver disease, severe anemia, pancreatitis, acute bronchitis, hepatitis, mood disorders, stress management, malaria, chikungunya, diarrhea, biopsy, cysts, fistulas, MTP, hysterectomy, uterine surgeries, cataract surgeries, psychological behavior treatments, mental disorders, anxiety, ADHD, glaucoma screening, fractures, and ENT-related issues. State Health Authorities are currently assessing the availability of doctors and resources in government hospitals to ensure smooth implementation.
A notable change in the patient complaints process is that complaints related to improper treatment will now require a payment, and only those submitted on a ₹10 affidavit will be considered valid. This aims to streamline the complaint resolution mechanism.