Ayushman Bharat Scheme Update: What to Do If a Hospital Refuses Treatment Despite a Valid Ayushman Card

The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY) is one of India’s largest government health insurance programs, promising free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually to millions of poor and underprivileged families. To avail of this benefit, eligible citizens are issued Ayushman cards, which enable them to receive cashless treatment at both government and empanelled private hospitals.

However, in recent times, there have been several reports of hospitals denying treatment, even when patients carry valid Ayushman cards. Such actions are not just unethical but also a clear violation of scheme rules. If this happens to you or someone you know, you can now file an official complaint—and the hospital will be legally bound to provide treatment.

Here’s everything you need to know to take quick action.

📌 What to Do If a Hospital Refuses Ayushman Card-Based Treatment? ✅ 1. Register Your Complaint Online

The government has made it simple to raise complaints online through the Grievance Redressal Portal. Here’s the process:

• Visit: https://cgrms.pmjay.gov.in/GRMS/loginnew.htm

• Click on “Register Your Grievance”

• Enter the Captcha code and select the scheme (Ayushman Bharat).

• Fill in the required details, including the hospital’s name and reason for denial.

• Submit your complaint. You’ll receive a Grievance ID — make sure to save it for future tracking.

✅ 2. Call the Helpline Numbers

If you prefer speaking to a representative, call the toll-free numbers:

• National Toll-Free Helpline: 14555

• Bihar: 104

• Uttar Pradesh: 1800-1800-4444

• Madhya Pradesh: 1800-233-2085

The helpline staff will assist in filing your complaint and help you understand the next steps.

✅ 3. Use the UMANG App for Complaint Registration

If you use a smartphone, the UMANG mobile app is another simple way to raise your concern:

• Open the UMANG App

• Navigate to the Ayushman Bharat section

• Click on “Grievance Redressal”

• Fill in the required complaint details and submit

This method is especially useful for those who want to track complaint status directly through the app.

📷 What Documents Should You Keep Ready?

To support your complaint and speed up redressal, you should have the following:

• A photo or scan of your Ayushman Card

• A copy of the hospital’s slip, or video/audio proof of denial (if available)

• The exact date and time of the incident

• The Grievance ID, once your complaint is registered

Make sure to regularly check the status of your complaint using the Grievance ID.

🆕 How to Get an Ayushman Card?

If you don’t have an Ayushman Card yet, follow these steps:

Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)

Officials will check your eligibility and documents

After successful verification, your Ayushman Card will be issued

You can also download your card online through the official PMJAY portal

🚨 Important Reminder

The core objective of Ayushman Bharat is to provide equal access to quality healthcare for all. If any empanelled hospital denies treatment under this scheme, the government has the right to take strict disciplinary action against them. But for this to happen, you must file a complaint. Don’t let your right to healthcare go unheard.