In a major healthcare inclusion step, the Delhi Government has decided to extend the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, to widows and persons with disabilities in the national capital.
The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, significantly expanding the scheme’s coverage among vulnerable sections of society.
Under the new expansion:
Around 3.97 lakh widows
Nearly 1.31 lakh Divyang (persons with disabilities)
will now be covered under PM-JAY. Importantly, their family members will also be eligible for treatment benefits under the scheme.
With this move, approximately 5.5 lakh additional families are expected to receive comprehensive health security coverage in Delhi.
The newly added beneficiaries will join those already covered under:
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
Priority Household (PHH/PRS) ration card holders
Senior citizens aged above 70 years
ASHA workers
Anganwadi workers and helpers
Officials stated that the expansion strengthens the social safety net for economically weaker and vulnerable groups.
According to the Chief Minister:
7,23,707 Ayushman Cards have been issued so far
Including 2,74,620 cards issued to senior citizens
208 hospitals have been empanelled under PM-JAY in Delhi
156 private hospitals
53 government hospitals
More than 29,120 beneficiaries have received treatment through the State Health Agency (SHA) in Delhi
This hospital network ensures beneficiaries can access both government and private healthcare facilities cashlessly.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that the decision is not merely administrative but reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible citizen is denied medical treatment due to financial hardship.
Describing PM-JAY as the country’s largest health protection initiative, officials said the latest step makes the scheme more inclusive and strengthens healthcare access for vulnerable residents in the capital.
With widows and Divyang beneficiaries now brought under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella, Delhi’s health coverage framework has expanded significantly, reinforcing the government’s focus on dignity, equity, and affordable healthcare access for all eligible citizens.