India's Ayushman Bharat scheme — officially called PM-JAY — provides free hospital treatment worth ₹5 lakh per year to over 50 crore citizens. Yet a huge number of eligible families have never received their Ayushman card and don't know how to get one.
If you believe you are eligible but haven't received your card, or your name doesn't appear when you check online, this guide will walk you through every step to fix it.
Step 1: First, Check Your Eligibility
Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. This means your name must already be in the government's database — you cannot simply apply and get added.
To check if your family is eligible:
- Call 14555 (free, works from any mobile, available 24/7) and give your Aadhaar number
- Visit pmjay.gov.in → click “Am I Eligible?” → enter your mobile number and Aadhaar
- Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) — they will check for free
Step 2: Get Your Ayushman Card Issued
If you are confirmed eligible but don't have a card, getting one is simple and completely free. Here is how:
- Visit any empanelled hospital — go to the Ayushman Bharat helpdesk at reception and ask them to issue your card. Carry your Aadhaar card.
- Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) — also called Jan Seva Kendra or Lok Mitra Kendra depending on your state. The operator will issue the card free of charge.
- Download the Ayushman App — search “Ayushman Bharat PMJAY” on Google Play Store. Log in with your registered mobile number and download your e-card directly.
Step 3: What If Your Name Is Missing From the List?
If you believe you should be eligible but your name is not showing, here are your options:
- Call 14555 and explain your situation — they can guide you to the State Health Agency for grievance registration
- Visit your District Health Office and submit a written complaint with your Aadhaar and ration card
- Check if your state has its own version of the scheme (many states have expanded eligibility beyond SECC 2011)
- File a grievance at pmjay.gov.in/grievance
Using the Scheme Without a Physical Card
You do not need a physical plastic card to use Ayushman Bharat. If your name is in the database, any empanelled hospital can verify you using just your Aadhaar card. The physical card or e-card is helpful to have, but not mandatory for getting treatment.
Walk into any empanelled hospital, go to the AB-PMJAY helpdesk, show your Aadhaar, and they will check your eligibility on the spot.
If a Hospital Refuses to Treat You
No empanelled hospital is allowed to deny treatment or ask you to pay for covered procedures. If this happens:
- Call the Ayushman Bharat helpline at 14555 immediately
- Ask to speak to the hospital’s Nodal Officer for AB-PMJAY
- File a complaint at pgportal.gov.in
Free · 24/7 · Works from any mobile in India
Quick Summary
- Check eligibility at pmjay.gov.in or call 14555
- Get your card issued free at any empanelled hospital or CSC
- You can also use the Ayushman app to download your e-card
- Aadhaar alone is enough to get treated — even without a physical card
- Report any problems to 14555
All information sourced from pmjay.gov.in. MeraHaq is not affiliated with the Government of India. Verify details on official portals before taking action.