Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has announced a pivotal change: the e‑KYC requirement for the Ayushman Card will be removed. This decision, unveiled in early 2026, aims to streamline enrollment and ensure that vulnerable families can continue to access free medical care without bureaucratic delays. The move, however, raises questions about verification integrity, potential fraud, and the overall sustainability of the scheme. In the sections that follow, we examine the rationale behind the policy shift, recap how e‑KYC functioned previously, assess the likely impact on beneficiaries and hospitals, and outline practical steps for citizens to navigate the new landscape.
Policy shift and its rationale
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare cited concerns over enrollment bottlenecks as the primary driver. Rural health centers reported up to a 35% drop‑off in registrations during peak COVID‑19 waves when digital KYC infrastructure faltered. By removing the e‑KYC mandate, the government hopes to accelerate card issuance, especially in remote districts where internet penetration remains below 45%.
How e‑KYC worked earlier
Under the earlier system, applicants had to submit a one‑time electronic verification using Aadhaar or a similar digital ID. This process involved:
- Uploading a scanned Aadhaar card.
- Live biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) at a designated enrollment centre.
- Automatic cross‑checking with the National Health Authority’s database.
While the method reduced duplicate entries, it also created a digital divide. Health workers in underserved blocks often lacked the necessary hardware, leading to delays of up to three weeks for a single card issuance.
Potential impact on beneficiaries
Removing e‑KYC could have mixed outcomes. On the positive side, enrollment speed may improve by an estimated 27%, according to a recent Ministry of Health internal report. However, experts warn of a possible 8‑12% rise in fraudulent claims if alternative verification mechanisms are not robust.
| Metric | Current (2025) | Projected (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly new enrollments | 1.2 million | 1.5 million |
| Average verification time | 12 days | 8 days |
| Estimated fraudulent claims | 0.9 % | 1.5 % |
For the millions who rely on free tertiary care, the net effect may be a smoother access experience, provided that state‑run hospitals adopt stricter on‑site verification.
Steps for citizens and hospitals
Citizens should now focus on submitting the basic documentation—proof of residence, income certificate, and family card—at the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or hospital registration desk. The process no longer demands a biometric scan, but officials may request a physical Aadhaar card for cross‑reference.
Hospitals are instructed to update their intake software by 31 January 2026, incorporating a “manual verification” flag. Training modules released by the National Health Authority emphasize:
- Cross‑checking family details against the central beneficiary list.
- Documenting any discrepancies before authorising treatment.
- Reporting suspected fraud through the dedicated portal within 48 hours.
Conclusion
The removal of e‑KYC from the Ayushman Card enrollment process marks a strategic attempt to broaden access while confronting the digital challenges that have hampered the scheme’s reach. By simplifying verification, the government hopes to accelerate free‑treatment delivery to India’s most vulnerable populations. Yet, the trade‑off lies in heightened vigilance against misuse. Citizens must stay informed about the revised documentation requirements, and hospitals must adopt stricter manual checks to safeguard the scheme’s integrity. If executed well, the policy shift could revitalize PM‑JAY’s promise of universal, no‑cost healthcare without compromising accountability.
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