In a landmark decision, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY cardholders will now receive treatment at all cantonment hospitals across the state. This move aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underprivileged citizens by leveraging military medical infrastructure.
The State Health Agency (SHA) is set to ink Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 12 cantonment hospitals shortly. Out of the total 13 such facilities in UP, the Prayagraj Cantonment Hospital has already been providing free care to Ayushman beneficiaries since Republic Day this year. The success of this pilot has paved the way for statewide expansion.
SHA CEO Archana Verma highlighted the comprehensive services at Prayagraj, including cardiology, nephrology, and advanced oncology treatments. Patients enjoy free OPD appointments, diagnostics, and even transportation for critical cases. These outcomes have convinced the government to replicate the model elsewhere.
Post-MoU, hospitals in Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Bareilly, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur, Mathura, Agra, Fatehpur, Jhansi, and Babina will join the network. This integration will significantly boost the number of empaneled hospitals under the scheme, offering specialized care to those grappling with severe illnesses.
Dr. Puja Yadav, Additional CEO of SHA, emphasized that this collaboration ensures top-tier specialist services for Ayushman cardholders. Free pick-and-drop facilities will further ease access for economically weaker sections. All hospitals are being aligned with scheme protocols, including portal integration for seamless billing and claims.
This initiative not only democratizes access to modern military healthcare but also balances the load on public facilities. It’s a game-changer for poor patients seeking quality treatment without financial strain, underscoring the Yogi government’s commitment to universal health coverage.