Free Kidney Treatment Under PMJAY
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme covers a comprehensive range of urology procedures, giving eligible patients access to life-saving and quality-of-life-improving treatments completely free of cost. This guide explains what specific procedures are covered, how to find the right hospital, and what to expect during treatment.
Procedures Covered Under PM-JAY
The PM-JAY scheme covers the following urology procedures: kidney stone treatment (ESWL lithotripsy, PCNL, ureteroscopy), haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant (living and deceased donor), prostate surgery (TURP), and bladder tumour surgery. Each procedure is covered as a defined package with a fixed rate — the hospital cannot charge you anything beyond the package.
Detailed Coverage
Kidney Stone Treatment: Multiple approaches are covered depending on stone size and location. ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) breaks stones using sound waves. Ureteroscopy removes stones through the urinary tract. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) removes large stones through a small incision in the back. All three techniques are covered under PM-JAY.
Dialysis: Haemodialysis sessions are covered under PM-JAY for patients with kidney failure. The scheme covers dialysis as a package — typically a set number of sessions. Peritoneal dialysis is also covered as an alternative for patients who cannot undergo haemodialysis.
Kidney Transplant: One of the highest-value procedures under PM-JAY. Covers the entire transplant surgery including pre-transplant evaluation, the surgery itself, ICU stay, immunosuppressive medications during hospitalisation, and post-transplant follow-up. The donor evaluation and donor surgery are covered in the same package. Note: PM-JAY covers the surgery cost but not the cost of purchasing an organ.
Prostate Surgery (TURP): Transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). A very common procedure among elderly male patients, fully covered under PM-JAY.
Bladder Surgery: Surgical treatment of bladder tumours (TURBT), bladder stones, and urinary incontinence procedures.
How to Find a Hospital for Kidney Treatment
Not every PMJAY empanelled hospital offers urology services. You need to find a hospital specifically empanelled for this specialty in your district.
Step 1: Visit PMJAYHospitals.com — Urology
Step 2: Select your state and district to see all hospitals offering this specialty near you.
Step 3: Call the hospital to confirm they are currently performing the specific procedure you need under PM-JAY.
Step 4: Visit the hospital with your Ayushman Bharat card, Aadhaar card, and any existing medical reports.
Important Warning
Kidney disease can progress silently. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, get regular kidney function tests. For dialysis patients, ensure that each session is properly documented under PM-JAY to track your coverage usage.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Kidney stone surgery recovery is 2-5 days depending on the technique used. Kidney transplant requires 10-14 days of hospitalisation including ICU. Post-transplant, lifelong immunosuppressive medications are needed — PM-JAY covers medicines during hospitalisation and 15 days post-discharge.
What You Need to Carry
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY card (physical or digital via ABHA app)
- Aadhaar card (original, for biometric verification)
- All existing medical reports, X-rays, scans, and prescriptions
- Referral letter from your doctor (if available)
- Previous discharge summary (if this is a follow-up treatment)
Cost to the Patient
The treatment is completely cashless under PM-JAY. You pay nothing — not for the surgery, not for medicines, not for implants or devices, not for ICU charges, and not for diagnostic tests during hospitalisation. The hospital settles the bill directly with the insurance company or state health agency. If any hospital asks you to pay, call the PMJAY helpline at 14555 immediately.
Find hospitals for this treatment: PMJAY Urology Hospitals
Disclaimer: PMJAYHospitals.com is an independent directory and is not affiliated with the National Health Authority or any government body. Treatment information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for treatment decisions. For official PM-JAY information, visit pmjay.gov.in or call 14555.