Important news has emerged for the millions of citizens who are beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The central government is poised to make major changes to the scheme's rules. According to the new proposal, treatment packages for 112 illnesses, including cataracts, liver diseases, and high-risk deliveries, will be removed from private hospitals. Therefore, patients may have to go to government hospitals to receive free treatment for these ailments. Let's explore the specifics of this change and which illnesses are covered.

1. Earlier 23 diseases, now 112 diseases reserved for government hospitals
under the central government's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, treatment packages for 23 diseases were reserved for government hospitals until now. Now, preparations are underway to add 89 new packages to this list. Therefore, it is proposed to make treatment for a total of 112 diseases available only in government hospitals. The National Health Authority (NHA) has sent a letter to the states in this regard.

2. Which 112 diseases will have to be treated in government hospitals?

The list of new proposals includes diseases and surgeries related to different departments. Eye diseases - Cataract and glaucoma surgery. Women's diseases - High-risk delivery, hysterectomy and MTP. Liver and stomach diseases - Alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, pancreatitis and diarrhoea. Surgery - Fistula, cyst, biopsy and severe anaemia. Infectious diseases - Malaria, Chikungunya and acute bronchitis. Mental health - Problems like stress management, anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD.

3. Why will treatment be stopped in private hospitals?

The primary objective behind this decision is said to be improving healthcare facilities in government hospitals and reducing government spending on private hospitals. Treatment in private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme incurs significant government expenditures. Therefore, some treatments are being considered exclusively in government hospitals.

4. When will the new rules come into effect?

The National Health Authority (NHA) has sent a letter to all states proposing to implement these changes nationwide from December 1, 2026. Currently, state health authorities are reviewing the availability of doctors, medical facilities, and resources in government hospitals.

PC: NEWS18 HINDI