Ayushman Bharat Reality Check: India Today Exposes Denial of Cashless Care in Hospitals

This special report by India Today investigates the ground reality of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, India’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme. The investigation found repeated instances of patients being discouraged, asked to pay out of pocket, or denied treatment despite having valid Ayushman cards. The report covers hospitals across Delhi, the National Capital Region, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. A key finding is: 'The promise of cashless healthcare ceases to exist.' Hospitals cited financial losses, pending government payments, and selective treatment policies as reasons for refusing care. The investigation raises serious questions about enforcement, accountability, and the true beneficiaries of the scheme.