AB-PMJAY Network Expands to 36,229 Hospitals by February 2026

As of 28 February 2026, 36,229 hospitals were empanelled under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), according to official data.  

This is a substantial increase from 6,917 hospitals recorded in FY 2018-19. The current total includes 19,483 public hospitals and 16,746 private hospitals.  

The expansion shows an addition of facilities over time, based on state-level requirements and eligibility criteria set by the National Health Authority. 

Continuous Empanelment Process 

Hospital empanelment under the scheme remains an ongoing process. State and Union Territory authorities carry out empanelment depending on the availability of healthcare providers that meet prescribed norms. 

Participation of private hospitals is voluntary. The inclusion of facilities is guided by defined criteria, ensuring that both public and private providers form part of the network available to beneficiaries. 

Admissions Across the Network 

As of 28 February 2026, a total of 11.69 crore hospital admissions had been authorised under AB-PMJAY. Of these, 6.74 crore admissions were recorded in private hospitals. 

This indicates a notable share of service delivery being handled by private institutions alongside public healthcare facilities within the scheme’s framework. 

Grievance Redressal Mechanism 

Empanelled hospitals are not permitted to deny treatment to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme guidelines. In cases of denial or irregularities, complaints can be registered through the Centralised Grievance Redressal Management System or the toll-free helpline 14555. 

A 3-tier grievance redressal structure operates at district, state and national levels. Designated officers and committees at each level are responsible for examining and resolving reported issues. 

Claims Settlement Framework 

Claims submitted by empanelled hospitals are processed by State Health Agencies in line with established guidelines. These claims are reviewed based on clinical documents, investigation reports and supporting records. 

The turnaround time for settlement is set at 15 days for intra-state claims and 30 days for inter-state portability cases, providing a defined timeline for processing. 

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Conclusion 

The increase in empanelled hospitals and authorised admissions highlights the broader reach of AB-PMJAY. Administrative processes for empanelment, grievance handling and claims settlement continue to operate within a structured framework. 

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