DELHI: In a major crackdown on irregularities under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the Central Government has revealed that more than 2,000 hospitals have been de-empanelled, while over 1,200 hospitals have been suspended for violating the scheme’s operational guidelines. The action underscores the government’s efforts to protect beneficiaries and strengthen transparency in one of the world’s largest public health insurance programmes.
Sharing the details in the Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that the action was taken by various states and Union Territories after hospitals were found indulging in practices that breached PM-JAY norms. The violations came to light through regular audits, investigations, and technology-driven monitoring systems designed to detect suspicious claims and fraudulent activities.
The minister explained that the National Health Authority has put in place multiple safeguards to prevent misuse of public funds. These include automated systems that flag unusual claim patterns within 24 hours of submission, field verification of suspicious cases, medical audits, and strict penalties against institutions found guilty of malpractice. Hospitals involved in fraudulent activities face suspension, de-empanelment, financial penalties, and, where necessary, legal action.
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Despite the enforcement drive, the Ayushman Bharat scheme continues to expand its reach across the country. The government informed Parliament that over 44.73 crore Ayushman cards have been issued so far, enabling more than 12.69 crore hospital admissions worth nearly ₹1.92 lakh crore. The scheme provides cashless treatment for eligible families at empanelled public and private hospitals, making quality healthcare more accessible to economically vulnerable citizens.
The latest action sends a strong message that while the government remains committed to expanding healthcare access, it will also adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards fraud and misuse. By removing non-compliant hospitals from the network, authorities aim to safeguard the interests of genuine beneficiaries and ensure that public resources are used efficiently to deliver quality healthcare services.