Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) continues to provide free treatment for serious illnesses to millions of low-income families. In Nala Sopara West, Sopara Hospital under the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation offers completely free healthcare to Ayushman cardholders.
Beneficiaries like Jaleel Sheikh’s father, admitted with lung problems, and Iqbal Sheikh, hospitalised for 18 days, highlighted the scheme’s accessibility and support.
PM-JAY, the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programme, provides ₹5 lakh annual cover per family for hospitalisation. As of March 2026, 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, including 1.14 crore for senior citizens. The scheme covers 1,900 procedures across 27 specialities at 36,229 empanelled hospitals, with cashless and paperless treatment.
Coverage includes diagnostics, medicines, surgery, ICU charges, physician fees, and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. Expansions in 2025–26 extended benefits to citizens aged 70+, frontline workers’ families, and added top-up coverage for seniors. Delhi implemented the scheme in April 2025, with a special drive from January to April 2026 to issue cards to remaining beneficiaries.
Facilities like Sopara Hospital demonstrate the scheme’s reach in ensuring free and quality healthcare nationwide.