ENT Surgery Under PMJAY
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme covers a comprehensive range of ent 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 ent procedures: tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, septoplasty (deviated nasal septum), FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery), ear surgery (mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty), cochlear implant, and thyroglossal cyst excision. Each procedure is covered as a defined package with a fixed rate — the hospital cannot charge you anything beyond the package.
Detailed Coverage
Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils for recurrent tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, or obstructive sleep apnoea. One of the most common ENT procedures, especially in children. Typically a day-care or one-night stay procedure.
Septoplasty: Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum that causes chronic nasal obstruction, breathing difficulty, and recurrent sinus infections. Often combined with turbinate reduction for better results.
Sinus Surgery (FESS): Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps that do not respond to medication. Uses an endoscope to open blocked sinus passages. Covered as an inpatient procedure with 2-3 days of hospitalisation.
Ear Surgery: Mastoidectomy for chronic ear infections (cholesteatoma), tympanoplasty (eardrum repair), and ossiculoplasty (hearing bone reconstruction). These procedures treat chronic ear discharge and hearing loss caused by repeated infections.
Cochlear Implant: Implantation of an electronic hearing device for patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, especially children. This is a high-value package under PM-JAY and includes the cost of the implant device. Life-changing for deaf children when done early.
How to Find a Hospital for ENT Surgery
Not every PMJAY empanelled hospital offers ent services. You need to find a hospital specifically empanelled for this specialty in your district.
Step 1: Visit PMJAYHospitals.com — Ent
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
Chronic ear infections that produce foul-smelling discharge should not be ignored — they can lead to serious complications including brain abscess and meningitis. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment within 48-72 hours for the best chance of recovery.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Tonsillectomy recovery is 7-10 days. Sinus surgery recovery is 1-2 weeks. Ear surgery recovery varies — hearing improvement may take several weeks. Cochlear implant requires months of auditory rehabilitation therapy after surgery. PM-JAY covers 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 Ent 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.