Finding the right hospital when you or a loved one needs medical care shouldn’t be a stressful “treasure hunt.” If you are one of the millions of beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), you have access to free treatment up to ₹5 Lakhs per year. But the big question is: Which hospitals actually accept the Ayushman Card near me?
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the easiest ways to locate empanelled hospitals—whether you are tech-savvy or prefer offline methods.
1. Why Choosing an “Empanelled” Hospital is Crucial
The Ayushman Bharat scheme works only at Empanelled Healthcare Providers (EHCPs). These are specific government and private hospitals that have partnered with the National Health Authority (NHA) to provide cashless treatment. If you visit a non-empanelled hospital, your Ayushman Card will not be valid for free treatment.
Key Benefits of Empanelled Hospitals:
- Cashless Treatment: No need to pay out of pocket for covered procedures.
- Quality Standards: Hospitals must meet specific infrastructure and service criteria to be listed.
- Portability: You can use your card in any empanelled hospital across India, regardless of which state issued your card.
2. How to Find Ayushman Bharat Hospitals Online (Official Portal)
The most reliable way to find a hospital is via the official PMJAY Hospital Search portal. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
- Select Your State and District: Use the drop-down menus to filter by your current location.
- Choose Hospital Type: You can filter for “Public” (Government) or “Private-For-Profit/Non-Profit” hospitals.
- Filter by Speciality: If you need a specific treatment (e.g., Cardiology, Oncology, or General Surgery), select it from the “Speciality” list.
- Enter Captcha and Search: Click the search button to see a list of hospitals, their addresses, and contact numbers.
3. Using the “Ayushman App” for Quick Access
For those on the move, the Ayushman App (available on the Google Play Store) is a life-saver. The 2026 update has made it even more user-friendly with support for 14 regional languages.
- Download & Login: Search for “Ayushman App” by the National Health Authority.
- Feature “Find Hospital”: Tap on the search feature within the app.
- GPS Integration: The app can use your phone’s location to show the nearest hospitals on a map, making it much easier to navigate during emergencies.
4. Quick Reference: Helpline Numbers
If you don’t have internet access, simply pick up the phone. These toll-free numbers are active 24/7.
| Service Type | Toll-Free Number |
|---|---|
| National PMJAY Helpline | 14555 or 1800-111-565 |
| Ayushman Digital Mission | 14477 |
| Emergency Support | 102 or 108 (Standard Medical Emergency) |
Pro Tip: When you call the helpline, keep your Aadhaar Card or PMJAY ID ready. The operator can help you find a hospital based on your PIN code.
5. Identifying an Ayushman Bharat Hospital Offline
When you are physically looking for a hospital, look for the “Ayushman Bharat” signage or the PMJAY logo at the hospital entrance or reception.
Every empanelled hospital is required to have an Ayushman Mitra (Health Coordinator) at a dedicated help desk. If you see a “PMJAY Help Desk,” you are in the right place! The Ayushman Mitra is responsible for verifying your eligibility and assisting with the admission process.
6. Real-Life Example: Ramesh’s Story
Ramesh, a construction worker from a small village in Haryana, needed urgent gallbladder surgery. He didn’t have a smartphone. He called the 14555 helpline, gave his district name, and within 2 minutes, the operator gave him the names of two private hospitals in the nearby city that offered the surgery for free. Ramesh visited the hospital, met the Ayushman Mitra, and had a successful cashless surgery the next day.
7. What to Check Before You Visit
Before rushing to the hospital, keep these points in mind:
- Carry Your Documents: Always bring your Ayushman Card (Golden Card) and a valid ID proof (Aadhaar is best).
- Confirm Speciality: Just because a hospital is empanelled doesn’t mean it treats everything. Use the online filter to ensure they have the specific department you need.
- Check Card Status: Ensure your card is “Active.” You can check this on the
beneficiary.nha.gov.inportal.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I go to a private hospital with my Ayushman Card? Yes, as long as that private hospital is “empanelled” under the PMJAY scheme.
Q2: Do I have to pay any money at the hospital? No. The treatment is completely cashless. If a hospital asks for money for a covered procedure, you can report them via the helpline (14555).
Q3: Is the hospital list updated regularly? Yes, the NHA adds new hospitals and removes those that don’t follow rules. Always check the live portal for the most current list.
Conclusion
Finding an Ayushman Bharat hospital is no longer a difficult task thanks to Digital India initiatives. Whether you use the hospitals.pmjay.gov.in website, the Ayushman App, or a simple phone call to 14555, help is always just a few clicks or a call away. Don’t wait for an emergency—take five minutes today to find the nearest empanelled hospital in your area and save their contact details.
Stay Healthy, Stay Informed!
