Cancer Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat
The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme covers a comprehensive range of medical oncology 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 medical oncology procedures: chemotherapy (multiple cycles), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgical tumour removal (mastectomy, radical surgery, lymph node dissection), radiation therapy (external beam, brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery), and paediatric cancer treatment. Each procedure is covered as a defined package with a fixed rate — the hospital cannot charge you anything beyond the package.
Detailed Coverage
Chemotherapy: PM-JAY covers multiple cycles of chemotherapy for various cancers. Each cycle is a separate package claim. The cost of chemotherapy drugs administered during hospitalisation is included. Both inpatient chemotherapy (requiring admission) and day-care chemotherapy are covered.
Cancer Surgery (Surgical Oncology): Surgical removal of tumours including mastectomy (breast cancer), radical hysterectomy (cervical cancer), colectomy (colon cancer), lobectomy (lung cancer), and lymph node dissection. Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy are also covered.
Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (internal radiation), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SRT) are covered. Multiple sessions of radiation are covered as per the oncologist’s treatment plan. IMRT and 3D conformal radiation are included in the packages.
Paediatric Cancer: Treatment of childhood cancers including leukaemia (ALL, AML), brain tumours, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, and lymphoma. PM-JAY has a separate specialty code (NA) specifically for paediatric cancer, ensuring dedicated coverage for children.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Newer cancer treatments using drugs that target specific molecules or boost the immune system. Covered under medical oncology packages where indicated.
How to Find a Hospital for Cancer Treatment
Not every PMJAY empanelled hospital offers medical oncology services. You need to find a hospital specifically empanelled for this specialty in your district.
Step 1: Visit PMJAYHospitals.com — Medical Oncology
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
Cancer treatment often requires multiple hospitalisations over several months. Each cycle of chemotherapy or radiation session is claimed as a separate package. Ensure that your treating oncologist coordinates with the hospital’s PM-JAY desk to plan the entire treatment course under the scheme.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Recovery varies greatly depending on the type and stage of cancer. PM-JAY covers 15 days of post-discharge care after each hospitalisation. For ongoing cancer treatment spanning multiple months, each admission is a separate claim against your ₹5 lakh annual limit.
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 Medical Oncology 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.