In a move to streamline access to healthcare services, the Indian government has simplified the process of obtaining Ayushman Cards, also known as Golden Cards, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Instead of requiring eligible individuals to visit government hospitals or public convenience centers, the government has empowered citizens to apply for the Ayushman Card online.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently introduced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM Jai) app, providing a convenient way for beneficiaries to apply.
Comprehensive guidelines have been issued to all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to facilitate this process.
Eligible beneficiaries seeking the Ayushman Card can apply directly through the official website at http://beneficiary.nha.gov.in or with the assistance of a helper.
To initiate the application, select the “beneficiary” option on the right side of the webpage and verify your mobile number by entering the OTP received.
Upon logging in, choose your state, select the PM-JAY scheme, and indicate your district.
Locate your family name from the search options and enter the ration card number associated with your family. Click on the designated icon on the right.
If your family qualifies for the Ayushman Yojana, a list of all family members will appear.
Select the member for whom you wish to create a card, enter their Aadhaar number, verify it with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, and complete a consent form by ticking all the necessary options.
Click the “Allow” button on the right and proceed to authenticate your information.
The beneficiary’s name will be displayed in a blue box on the next screen. Choose “E-KYC Aadhar OTP” below the box and verify it.
Another consent form will appear; tick all the required options, then click “Allow.” Information and a photo related to the beneficiary will be displayed.
Use your mobile camera to take a photo and click “Proceed” under the “Capture Photo” icon on the right.
Fill in additional information under “Additional Information,” choose “No” for mobile number, and submit.
If the matching score below the photo exceeds 80 percent, a box will appear, allowing you to download the Ayushman card by clicking “OK.”
Ayushman Card Application Via Mobile App
In addition to the website, beneficiaries can create Ayushman Cards by downloading the Ayushman Yojana app from the Play Store, provided by the National Health Authority.
After downloading the app, enter your Aadhaar number and input the required information in a step-by-step manner.
Upon completing the card-making process, you will receive a confirmation message on your mobile.
For any assistance or queries related to card creation, call the toll-free number 14555 (Ayushman Card Helpline Number).
Complaints can also be lodged through this channel. Furthermore, cards created using the app can be printed at public convenience centers.
Inclusion of White Ration Card Holders
Expanding the scope of the Ayushman Yojana, the government has now extended its benefits to eligible Household (White) ration card holders.
Data for eligible household ration card holders has been incorporated into the new portal.
However, only families with six members in the eligible household card will be eligible for the scheme, with a target of approximately 51,800 families (approximately 3.10 lakh beneficiaries) in the district.”**
