Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY): Delhi launches 10-day PDS registration drive from Sept 1

You are reading about Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and how to complete an Ayushman scheme Delhi Registration during the special PDS drive. This article tells you who can register, what documents to carry, how verification at PDS centres works between 1–10 September 2025, and how the expanded hospital network helps you get cashless care.

Who Can Register for Ayushman Bharat in Delhi?

If you are from a poor or at risk household, you may qualify. Priority groups include:

• Families listed under eligible socio-economic categories in the AB-PMJAY database.
• Senior citizens, especially those covered under the Vaya Vandana scheme — many over 70 have already received cards.
• Households without an Ayushman card but with valid ration card and Aadhaar can register during this drive.

Key documents required for checking eligibility and enrolment are shown below. If you are unsure about your status, visit your nearest PDS centre during the drive for a free check.

Ayushman scheme Delhi Registration: How to Register at PDS Centres (Sept 1–10)

This 10-day in-person campaign is set up so you can complete registration at village/ward-level PDS counters without travelling far. Follow these simple steps when you visit:

Documents and ID Verification Process

• Mandatory documents: Aadhaar card, ration card (linked to family), any photo ID (Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN card).
• Biometric/Aadhaar seeding: Staff at PDS counters will use biometric devices to verify Aadhaar and confirm family composition against AB-PMJAY records.
• Ration card cross-check: Officers will match ration card names and family members to prevent duplicates; update requests may be logged if details differ.
• If Aadhaar is not available, bring an alternate photo ID and tell staff; you may be given guidance on later Aadhaar seeding to complete enrolment.

What to Expect at the PDS Counter: Step-by-step

1. Queue up at the PDS counter and present your ration card and Aadhaar (or photo ID).
2. Staff will fill a short enrollment form. Help will be provided if you cannot read or write.
3. Biometric capture (fingerprint) or Aadhaar OTP verification will be done to confirm identity.
4. If eligible, a temporary e-card or acknowledgement slip will be issued on the spot. This will include a reference number and next steps.
5. Any mismatch or missing data will be logged. You will receive instructions on documents to submit or corrections to request.
6. Typical time at counter: 15–30 minutes per family, depending on queue and verification needs.

Support for Senior Citizens and Vaya Vandana Beneficiaries

• Priority lanes at PDS centres for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
• If mobility is limited, you can ask ward-level health volunteers for help; family members can act on behalf of seniors (bring a short authorisation letter and ID of both people).
• Staff will offer form-filling help and explain hospital access steps in plain language.
• Vaya Vandana beneficiaries: if you are already listed under that scheme, bring proof to speed up issuance of Ayushman card for senior benefits.

What the Expanded Hospital Network Means for You

Delhi plans to empanel about 100 additional hospitals in the next few days, adding to 151 currently listed under AB-PMJAY in the city (107 private, 44 government). This expansion aims to:

• Include leading private hospitals so you can access specialised care closer to home.
• Increase options for secondary and tertiary treatment covered up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually under central AB-PMJAY, plus an additional Delhi top-up of Rs 5 lakh for eligible residents.
• Reduce out-of-pocket costs by widening cashless service access across zones.

How to Find Empanelled Hospitals and Book Treatment

To check hospitals, follow these quick steps:

1. Visit National Health Authority (nha.gov.in) and search the AB-PMJAY empanelled hospitals list for Delhi by district or hospital name.
2. You can also ask staff at PDS centres or local health officers for the updated list when the new empanelment is announced in early September.
3. For admission, present your Ayushman e-card or temporary acknowledgement, valid ID and ration card at the empanelled hospital.
4. Hospital will seek authorisation from NHA for cashless treatment. Keep copies of any referral or prior approval for records.

After Registration: Card Issuance, e-Card and Using Benefits

Once registered:

• Expect a temporary acknowledgement slip at the PDS counter immediately.
• Permanent Ayushman e-card or physical card is usually issued within 7–21 working days, depending on verification backlog.
• To use benefits at an empanelled hospital, present e-card or temporary reference number, original photo ID and ration card for family verification.
• For cashless claims, hospital will submit authorisation requests online. You only pay for items not covered under package rates, if any.

Common Questions Eligible Families and Seniors Ask

• How do I check eligibility? Visit a PDS centre during the drive or check online at nha.gov.in with your Aadhaar/ration details.
• Can I use benefits anywhere in India? Portability exists for many services; confirm with the hospital and NHA helpdesk before admission.
• Is there a limit on family size? Family composition follows the ration card and AB-PMJAY household data. Corrections may be requested at PDS counters or local health offices.
• What if registration is rejected? You will receive reasons and guidance to correct documents or submit appeals through NHA channels.
• Emergency coverage? Most empanelled hospitals offer emergency care; use the e-card and follow hospital admission protocol for immediate authorisation.

Contacts, Helplines and a PDS Visit Checklist

Useful contact points:

Service	Contact / URL
National Health Authority (NHA) — AB-PMJAY info	https://nha.gov.in | Helpline: 14555
Govt. of NCT of Delhi — Health / scheme updates	https://delhi.gov.in (visit Health department contact page)
Nearest PDS centre	Check local noticeboards or ask your block/ward office during the drive

PDS visit checklist (carry all to avoid repeat trips):

• Original Aadhaar for head of family (or Aadhaar alternative if available)
• Original ration card showing family members
• One photo ID (Voter ID / Driving Licence / PAN)
• Mobile phone for OTPs (keep charged)
• If deputing a family member to act for a senior, carry a short authorisation note and IDs of both people

Quick Timeline: Key Dates and What to Expect Next

• 1–10 September 2025: PDS in-person Ayushman scheme Delhi Registration drive across city neighbourhoods.
• Early September 2025: Formal announcement of empanelment of roughly 100 additional hospitals; check NHA updates after enrolment.
• Within 7–21 working days after your PDS visit: Expect e-card issuance or clear instructions for follow-up.
• After empanelment list goes live: Use e-card at newly empanelled hospitals for cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh + Delhi top-up.

“Our objective is to make sure that no entitled family is left out. Registration at the neighbourhood PDS centre will make the process easier,” a senior Delhi health official said.

If you plan to enrol, pick a less busy hour (morning or late afternoon), carry originals and photocopies, and ask for an acknowledgement slip before leaving the PDS counter. For further details or issues, call NHA helpline 14555 or visit nha.gov.in. We wish you a smooth Ayushman scheme Delhi Registration — and prompt access to care when you need it.