Ayushman Bharat shields 1.38 crore Haryana residents, 4.18 lakh treated in Dehradun

Key facts

• Dehradun district has issued 12,23,339 Ayushman cards as of March 2026.
• 4,18,295 patients have received free treatment in Dehradun under the scheme.
• In 2024, 1,15,117 patients were treated; in 2025, 1,55,667; and by March 2026, 26,959.
• Haryana has 1.38 crore eligible beneficiaries with Ayushman-Chirayu cards.
• Haryana's network includes 586 government and 777 private hospitals, totaling 1,363.
• Haryana raised the income eligibility cap to ₹3 lakh per year in November 2022.
• The scheme covers up to ₹5 lakh per family for cashless treatment.
• Dehradun has 28 government and 55 private empanelled hospitals.

A lifeline for the poor in Dehradun

In Dehradun, the Ayushman Bharat scheme has transformed healthcare access for economically weaker families, shielding them from the financial ruin that often accompanies serious illness. Over 12.2 lakh cards have been issued in the district, and more than 4.18 lakh people have already received free treatment. The scheme provides cashless treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per family. Patients are also entitled to free diagnostic tests, medicines, and care for three days before admission and 15 days after discharge. This comprehensive coverage has made expensive treatments accessible to those who previously could not afford them.

Year-wise treatment figures show steady growth

The number of patients treated under Ayushman Bharat in Dehradun has risen steadily. In 2024, 1,15,117 patients received free care; in 2025, the figure climbed to 1,55,667; and in the first three months of 2026 alone, 26,959 patients have been treated. These numbers reflect the scheme's growing reach and acceptance. The district now has 83 empanelled hospitals — 28 government and 55 private — where beneficiaries can walk in and show their card to begin treatment without any upfront payment.

Haryana expands coverage with Chirayu scheme

Haryana has taken the central Ayushman Bharat framework further by launching the Chirayu scheme in November 2022. The state government raised the annual income eligibility cap from the previous limit to ₹3 lakh, bringing millions of additional families under the safety net. Today, 1.38 crore eligible beneficiaries in Haryana hold Ayushman-Chirayu cards. The state has built a robust network of 1,363 hospitals, including 586 government facilities and 777 private hospitals. This mix aims to reduce the burden on public hospitals and offer patients a wider choice of providers.

Private hospitals key to reducing overcrowding

The inclusion of 777 private hospitals in Haryana has been a deliberate strategy to balance the load on government institutions. Patients from remote villages can now access quality care at a nearby empanelled private hospital by simply presenting their card. Dr. Ajay Mahajan, former president of the Indian Medical Association, called the scheme a revolutionary step for the poor. He noted that those who once could not even contemplate heart surgery are now receiving free treatment in major hospitals. However, some medical experts have flagged technical issues, such as delayed payments to private hospitals and their occasional removal from the panel, which need attention to sustain the network.

Awareness drives and pending enrolments

On Ayushman Bharat Diwas, special campaigns are being run in Dehradun to raise awareness and enrol remaining families. Residents whose cards have not yet been made are being advised to contact their nearest Common Service Centre or empanelled hospital. In Haryana, the focus is on achieving 100% coverage by digitally connecting families whose cards are still pending. The state administration is pushing to ensure that every eligible household has access to the scheme's benefits.

Broader impact and future outlook

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by the central government in 2018, has evolved into a critical pillar of India's public health system. In Haryana, the Chirayu expansion has significantly broadened the safety net, while Dehradun's data shows consistent uptake. Experts believe that if the government addresses payment bottlenecks and maintains strong coordination with private hospitals, the scheme could become a milestone in Indian healthcare. The ultimate goal is to ensure that no family falls into poverty because of medical expenses.

The bottom line

• Ayushman Bharat provides up to ₹5 lakh in cashless treatment per family, covering serious illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
• Dehradun has issued over 12.2 lakh cards and treated 4.18 lakh patients, with year-on-year growth in beneficiaries.
• Haryana's Chirayu scheme, launched in November 2022, raised the income cap to ₹3 lakh, covering 1.38 crore people.
• Haryana's network of 1,363 hospitals includes 777 private facilities, reducing pressure on government hospitals.
• Technical issues such as delayed payments to private hospitals pose challenges to the scheme's sustainability.
• Awareness campaigns and digital enrolment drives aim to achieve universal coverage in both regions.