"Your Health, Your Right: Unlocking Government Benefits Every Indian Should Know"
Compiled -Lifeonplus 20.8.2025
A Guide to India’s Health & Wellness Schemes Everyone Must Avail
Good health is the foundation of a strong nation. The Government of India has rolled out several initiatives to safeguard the health of its citizens— from free medical care to nutritional support, disease prevention, and digital healthcare access. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what is already available to them. Here’s a clear guide to the most important schemes and how you can access them.
Healthcare Coverage & Insurance
1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospital care (cashless).
Eligibility: Poor and vulnerable families (as per SECC database).
How to Apply: Visit https://pmjay.gov.in or call 14555 / 1800-111-565.
2. State Health Insurance Schemes
Example: Arogya Karnataka, Mukhya Mantri Chiranjeevi Yojana (Rajasthan).
How to Apply: Check respective state health portals.
Maternal & Child Health
How Is Biological Age Measured?
1. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) – Financial aid for mothers delivering in government hospitals.
2. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) – Free delivery, C-section, medicines, diagnostics, diet & transport.
3. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) – Free health checkups for children (0–18 yrs).
👉 Contact nearest Anganwadi Centre or District Health Office.
Preventive Health & Immunization
1. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) – Free vaccines for children against 12 diseases.
2. Pulse Polio – Free polio drops for children under 5.
3. Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) – Free medicines, diagnostics, yoga, and wellness services.
👉 Find nearest HWC: https://ab-hwc.nhp.gov.in
Nutrition & Wellness
1. Poshan Abhiyaan – Nutritional support for women & children through Anganwadi centres.
2. Mid-Day Meal Scheme – Free nutritious meals for school children.
👉 Information: https://poshanabhiyaan.gov.in
Disease Control Programs
1. National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) – Free treatment for malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis.
2. National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Free TB treatment + ₹500/month nutrition support.
👉 TB Helpline: 1800-11-6666
Digital Health & Awareness
1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – Creates digital health IDs for every citizen.
2. eSanjeevani Telemedicine – Free online doctor consultations.
👉 https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in
👉 https://esanjeevani.in
NGOs Supporting Health & Wellness
1. Smile Foundation – Works on child healthcare and nutrition (https://www.smilefoundationindia.org).
2. PATH India – Strengthening immunization & TB care (https://www.path.org).
3. SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) – Women’s health & welfare initiatives (https://www.sewa.org).
4. CARE India – Focus on maternal and child health (https://www.careindia.org).
Final Note
Health is your right, and these government programs ensure that every citizen—rich or poor—has access to care, nutrition, and protection. By spreading awareness, we make sure that no family is left behind.
Be grateful for this collective effort, and make sure you and your loved ones avail the benefits that are already yours.
Save this blog, share it with your community, and let’s build a healthier India together.
How to Avail these Benefits?
Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
✅ Enrollment / How to Apply
1. Check eligibility:
Visit https://pmjay.gov.in → “Am I Eligible” section.
Or call helpline 14555 / 1800-111-565.
Eligibility is based on Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
2. Documents needed: Aadhaar card, ration card, income/caste certificate (if required).
3. Where to enroll:
Common Service Centers (CSCs)
Empaneled government/private hospitals (PMJAY help desk).
Ayushman Mitra at hospitals helps with enrollment & claims.
Claim Process
No need for cash or reimbursement. It’s a cashless scheme.
Steps at hospital:
1. Visit empaneled hospital.
2. Show PMJAY e-card (Ayushman card) or Aadhaar.
3. Hospital “Ayushman Mitra” verifies and raises request.
4. Treatment is provided free up to ₹5 lakh/year/family.
Includes pre- and post-hospitalization costs.
Where is Free Treatment Provided?
In empaneled hospitals (both government & private).
List available here: Hospital Finder – PMJAY
Timings & Days
24×7 emergency services.
OPD/IPD timings depend on hospital norms (usually Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm OPD).
No restrictions on scheme availability—active all days.
Fees
No enrollment fee.
No treatment fee at empaneled hospitals.
Criteria to Avail
Only for families identified as eligible in SECC 2011 data (generally poor & vulnerable households).
No age or family size limit.
Must be an Indian citizen with valid ID.
State Health Insurance Schemes
(Examples: Arogya Karnataka, Mukhya Mantri Chiranjeevi Yojana – Rajasthan, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana – Odisha, etc.)
✅ Enrollment
Done at state-run centers, CSCs, or empaneled hospitals.
Some states automatically link with ration card / Aadhaar.
Beneficiaries get a health card (digital or physical).
Claim Process
Cashless at empaneled government/private hospitals.
Show state health card/Aadhaar → Hospital verifies → Claim raised automatically.
Treatment Location
Government hospitals (district, sub-district, medical colleges).
Many private hospitals empaneled for specialized care.
Timings
24×7 emergency treatment available.
Regular OPD timings depend on hospital, generally Mon–Sat.
Fees
Free for eligible beneficiaries.
Some states (like Rajasthan) cover 100% of costs.
Criteria
State-specific eligibility:
Usually for BPL families, low-income households, and ration card holders.
Some states include all families (e.g., Rajasthan Chiranjeevi Yojana).
Documents: Aadhaar, ration card, state health card.
Summary
Enrollment: Through CSCs, government hospitals, or online (Aadhaar + ration card).
Claims: Fully cashless, handled by hospital’s Ayushman Mitra/helpline.
Treatment: In empaneled govt. & private hospitals.
Timings: 24×7 emergency, OPD usually Mon–Sat.
Fees: No charges for beneficiaries.
Criteria: Based on SECC (PMJAY) or state