I am a resident of Delhi and I want to get an “Ayushman card” for my family. What documents do I need to submit to apply for it?
It’s a common point of confusion, but the central Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme is not implemented in Delhi. Therefore, there is no “Ayushman card” to apply for. Instead, Delhi has its own health scheme, and to avail its benefits, you need to prove your residency at a government hospital, with the Delhi Voter ID card being the most crucial document.
Understanding That Delhi Has a Different Health Scheme
My friend, who recently moved to Delhi, was looking for an Ayushman card enrollment center in his locality. I had to explain to him that Delhi has its own program, the Delhi Arogya Kosh, which functions differently. There is no card to be made beforehand; instead, you prove your eligibility with documents when you need treatment.
The Most Important Document: Proof of Delhi Residency
I was speaking with a doctor at a Delhi government hospital, and he explained the process. He said that for a patient to avail the benefits of the Delhi health scheme (such as getting a free surgery or a referral to a private hospital), they must first prove that they are a resident of Delhi. The most commonly required and accepted document for this is a Voter ID card of Delhi.
Other Supporting Documents for Identification
The doctor also mentioned that in addition to the Voter ID card, it is always necessary to carry an Aadhaar Card for general identity verification. He added that other documents showing a Delhi address, like a Ration Card or a valid Driving License, can also be helpful to support your claim of residency, but the Delhi Voter ID is often the primary document they ask for.
The ‘Document’ Needed for Private Hospital Treatment
My friend’s father eventually needed treatment at a private hospital under the Delhi scheme. The doctor clarified that the most important “document” required to make this happen was the official referral letter that was issued by the government hospital itself. This referral is what authorizes the empanelled private hospital to provide cashless treatment to the patient.
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