The Impressive TimesPrayagraj, 29 September 2026: Health is one of the most valuable assets for any family. In the event of a sudden serious illness, accident or hospitalisation, the cost of treatment can become a major financial concern for many families. In such circumstances, Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides an important health security cover to eligible families, along with support for treatment.
On the directions of General Manager, North Central Railway, Shri Naresh Pal Singh, North Central Railway has undertaken a special initiative to facilitate Ayushman cards for eligible contract labourers associated with its workforce. Under this initiative, 145 Ayushman cards have been made in Prayagraj Division, 140 in Jhansi Division and 103 in Agra Division, making a total of 388 Ayushman cards issued so far. The process of identifying and connecting more eligible contract labourers with the scheme is continuing so that the benefits of the scheme can reach a larger number of eligible beneficiaries.
The initiative is not limited to providing Ayushman cards, but is aimed at extending health security and support to contract labourers and their eligible family members at the time of need. Contract labourers make an important contribution to various railway activities through their hard work and dedication. The initiative is therefore also significant from the perspective of their health and well-being and that of their families.
Cashless and Paperless Treatment
Eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of specified treatment facilities under the scheme at empanelled hospitals on a cashless and paperless basis. This reduces the need to arrange a large amount of money immediately at the time of treatment and helps eligible families focus on the required medical care.
Health Cover of up to ₹5 Lakh per Family per Year
As per the provisions of PM-JAY, eligible families are provided health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. In cases of serious illness or hospitalisation, this can provide important financial support to eligible families.
Health Security for the Family
The significance of an Ayushman card is not limited to an individual. The scheme is intended to provide healthcare protection to eligible families, so that in the event of illness, families do not have to face a difficult choice between necessary treatment and the financial burden associated with it.
When a woman, child or senior citizen in a family falls ill, the responsibility of arranging treatment can arise suddenly. In such circumstances, the healthcare facilities available under the Ayushman scheme can provide important support to eligible beneficiaries and their families.
Support for Treatment of Serious Illnesses
Subject to eligibility and prescribed treatment packages, beneficiaries can avail themselves of treatment for various serious illnesses and hospitalisation-related procedures covered under the scheme. This can provide necessary support to families during difficult periods of illness.
Health Security for the Families of the Workforce
Contract labourers make an important contribution to various railway activities through their hard work and dedication. For their families, a period of illness can be particularly challenging. In such circumstances, the Ayushman card provides eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to avail themselves of healthcare facilities available under the scheme, as per its provisions.
Helping Reduce the Financial Burden of Treatment
Illness can affect not only health but also the financial condition of a family. At times, the cost of treatment can place a substantial burden on family savings. The health cover available under the Ayushman scheme can help eligible beneficiaries avail themselves of covered treatment and thereby reduce the financial pressure arising from medical expenses.
Paperless and Simple Process
Through the Ayushman card, eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of the facilities available under the scheme at empanelled hospitals. The digital card system facilitates easier access to services available under the scheme.
A Step Towards Inclusive Health Security
PM-JAY aims to extend health security to eligible and needy families. In this context, the Ayushman card assumes significance for families for whom the cost of treatment during serious illness can become a major challenge.
The initiative of North Central Railway to connect eligible contract labourers with the scheme is a step in this direction, so that eligible beneficiaries and their families can access healthcare support during times of need.
Eligibility and Registration
Eligible beneficiaries are identified as per the prescribed procedure and Ayushman cards are generated after confirmation of eligibility. Beneficiaries can avail themselves of the medical facilities available at empanelled hospitals as per the provisions of the scheme.
North Central Railway is continuously working to identify eligible contract labourers and facilitate their inclusion under the scheme, so that health security benefits can reach a larger number of eligible beneficiaries and their families.
Ayushman Card—A Support in Difficult Times
For any family, illness can be one of the most difficult periods. When healthcare support is accompanied by financial security, it can provide reassurance to the family. The Ayushman card is a means of providing such support, helping ensure that eligible families are able to avail themselves of necessary treatment without financial constraints becoming a barrier.
The initiative undertaken by North Central Railway reflects its commitment to extending the benefits of health security schemes to eligible contract labourers associated with its workforce and their families. While 388 Ayushman cards have been issued so far, the process of connecting more eligible beneficiaries with the scheme will continue.
Healthy families, secure families and a stronger workforce—guided by this spirit, North Central Railway remains committed to the welfare and well-being of its employees and the workforce associated with it.
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