Free Treatment Scheme – In a landmark move aimed at strengthening public health access, the Government of India has launched a nationwide Free Medical Treatment Scheme that promises complete medical care to select economically weaker families. The initiative ensures that eligible households receive top-quality medical treatment in empanelled government and private hospitals without spending a single rupee. This scheme is part of the ongoing effort to expand Ayushman Bharat’s vision and provide dignified healthcare for all. Let’s explore who can benefit from this ambitious program, how to enroll, and what treatments are covered.
Who Is Eligible for Free Government Medical Treatment?
This new health welfare scheme focuses on providing relief to vulnerable families who cannot afford hospital expenses. The eligibility criteria are clearly defined and inclusive of several categories of citizens:
- Families holding a Below Poverty Line (BPL) card
- Registered under Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data
- Construction workers with verified labor registration
- Street vendors, hawkers, and daily wage workers
- Disabled individuals certified by government authorities
- Senior citizens receiving pension under old-age schemes
- Beneficiaries of PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) rural and urban
- Orphans and destitute children registered with the State
Key Benefits of the Free Treatment Scheme
The scheme is designed to eliminate all out-of-pocket expenses during hospital visits and ensure better health outcomes:
- Entire hospitalization cost covered by the government
- Access to 1,500+ surgical and treatment procedures
- No cap on family size or age
- Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses covered
- Free diagnostic tests and medicines
- Applicable in both government and selected private hospitals
- Zero premium or registration fees required
- All transactions done in a cashless and paperless manner
Major Treatments and Services Covered Under the Scheme
Below is a detailed table showcasing the major treatments covered under this healthcare initiative:
| Type of Treatment | Coverage Offered | Hospital Type | Cost to Patient | Eligibility Required | Pre-Hospital Care | Post-Hospital Care | Included Medicines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgeries | Fully Covered | Govt + Private | ₹0 | BPL / SECC / Others | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cardiac Procedures | Fully Covered | Govt + Private | ₹0 | Valid Card Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer Treatment | Fully Covered | Govt + Certified Pvt | ₹0 | Pre-approved by Scheme | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Childbirth (Normal & C-Section) | Fully Covered | Govt + Pvt Empanelled | ₹0 | Registered Women | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dialysis Services | Fully Covered | Govt Hospitals Only | ₹0 | Medical Certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orthopedic Surgeries | Fully Covered | Select Hospitals | ₹0 | Under Eligibility List | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ICU Services | Fully Covered | Govt + Pvt Tertiary | ₹0 | Referral Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Medicines & Tests | Fully Covered | All Empanelled Units | ₹0 | Auto-Generated at Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Enroll for the Free Treatment Scheme?
Enrollment is fully digital or can be done manually at local health centers. Follow the steps below to register:
- Visit your nearest government hospital or Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Carry your Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, and proof of residence
- Fill the Scheme Registration Form
- Get your documents verified and uploaded to the National Health Portal
- Receive your e-card or scheme certificate after approval
- Use this e-card for cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals
Enrollment is also available online via the official Ayushman Bharat Digital Portal, where eligible families can self-register using mobile OTP verification and document uploads.
Empanelled Hospitals and Health Centers Offering the Scheme
This initiative has a vast network of hospitals participating across the country. Here’s an overview of coverage:
| State | Govt Hospitals Empanelled | Private Hospitals | Special Health Centers | Total Covered Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 3,100+ | 1,000+ | 750+ | 68 |
| Maharashtra | 2,600+ | 1,300+ | 640+ | 52 |
| West Bengal | 2,200+ | 1,050+ | 580+ | 41 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,850+ | 800+ | 400+ | 35 |
| Rajasthan | 1,600+ | 700+ | 420+ | 31 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,500+ | 850+ | 350+ | 33 |
| Bihar | 2,000+ | 600+ | 300+ | 38 |
| Karnataka | 1,700+ | 750+ | 500+ | 30 |
To know the full list of empanelled hospitals, visit the official health scheme portal or contact your local health worker.
Documents Required for Registration
Make sure you keep these important documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for all family members)
- Proof of residence (Utility Bill or Voter ID)
- Ration Card or BPL Card
- Income certificate (if required by state)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Disability or pension certificate (if applicable)
How to Track Application and Avail Services
Once registered, families can use multiple platforms to track status and avail treatments:
- SMS alerts with hospital referral and appointment updates
- Online tracking through the mobile app or health portal
- Helpline numbers available 24×7
- Scheme card scan at hospital reception enables instant verification
The Free Government Treatment Scheme is a massive step forward in India’s mission of achieving universal health coverage. By removing financial barriers, this program allows lakhs of poor and middle-class families to receive lifesaving treatment without worrying about hospital bills. If you or someone you know qualifies under the listed categories, make sure to enroll today and secure free medical support for your entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the free treatment scheme?
BPL families, laborers, street vendors, disabled citizens, and other low-income groups listed under SECC 2011 are eligible.
2. Is the scheme valid for private hospital treatment?
Yes, provided the hospital is empanelled under the scheme by the government.
3. Do I need to pay any premium or registration fees?
No, the scheme is completely free with zero hidden charges.
4. What if I lose my scheme card?
You can download a digital copy via the official portal or reprint it at a CSC.
5. Can the entire family use one card?
Yes, one scheme card covers the entire family, with no limit on size or age.