In a major boost to healthcare accessibility, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to extend Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY benefits to holders of Ayushman cards across all cantonment hospitals in the state. This ambitious move will soon link 12 additional cantonment hospitals with the scheme through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the State Health Agency (SHA).
Uttar Pradesh boasts 13 cantonment hospitals in total, with the Prayagraj facility already providing free treatment to Ayushman beneficiaries since January 2026. The success of this pilot has paved the way for statewide expansion. Patients at Prayagraj have accessed advanced care in cardiology, nephrology, medical and surgical oncology, alongside free OPD appointments, diagnostics, and transportation for critical cases.
State Health Agency CEO Archana Verma highlighted the positive outcomes, noting how these services have transformed lives for the underprivileged. Now, hospitals in Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Bareilly, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur, Mathura, Agra, Fatehpur, Jhansi, and Babina will join the network. This integration promises specialized treatments for complex ailments, pick-and-drop facilities, and seamless billing via the Ayushman portal.
Dr. Puja Yadav, Additional CEO of SHA, emphasized that this collaboration will deliver high-level expertise to Ayushman cardholders, easing the strain on public health infrastructure. By tapping into the modern facilities of military cantonment hospitals, the government ensures equitable healthcare for the poor. This initiative not only enhances service quality but also promotes transparency in claims processing, marking a milestone in UP’s health revolution.