Ayushman Sarathi Expands Digital Access to PM-JAY Services

Ayushman Sarathi Launched for Seamless Healthcare Services

Ayushman Sarathi Expands Digital Access to PM-JAY Services: The National Health Authority (NHA) has launched Ayushman Sarathi, the official WhatsApp chatbot for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The chatbot was launched by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda to provide beneficiaries with secure and real-time access to PM-JAY services through WhatsApp.

Available 24×7, the platform enables citizens to access healthcare services digitally without visiting government offices or Common Service Centres.

Static GK fact: The National Health Authority (NHA) functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is responsible for implementing Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

What is Ayushman Sarathi

Ayushman Sarathi is an AI-enabled WhatsApp chatbot integrated with the PM-JAY digital platform through secure APIs. It serves as a single digital gateway for beneficiaries to access multiple healthcare-related services directly from their smartphones.

The chatbot simplifies access to government healthcare schemes while ensuring secure authentication and real-time service delivery.

Services Available Through Ayushman Sarathi

The chatbot offers a wide range of beneficiary-centric services under PM-JAY. Users can check their eligibility, apply for an Ayushman Card, download or view their card, and complete or update eKYC.

It also allows beneficiaries to link Aadhaar, lock or unlock their PM-JAY card, check treatment history, view wallet balance, and search nearby empanelled hospitals.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can also apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card through the chatbot.

Additionally, users can register, track, or withdraw grievances, request a callback, and submit feedback after hospital discharge.

Static GK Tip: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare to eligible beneficiaries.

Improving Healthcare Access

One of the major advantages of Ayushman Sarathi is that it eliminates the need for beneficiaries to visit service centres for routine healthcare-related requests. The chatbot delivers instant information, faster grievance redressal, simplified document management, and improved citizen engagement.

Since WhatsApp is widely used across India, the platform enhances accessibility even for first-time digital users, promoting inclusive healthcare delivery.

Strengthening Digital Governance

The launch of Ayushman Sarathi supports the Government of India’s vision of expanding digital public health infrastructure. Besides offering healthcare services, the chatbot enables the National Health Authority to collect beneficiary feedback, monitor service quality, and improve implementation of PM-JAY through efficient grievance management.

The initiative strengthens transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance in the healthcare sector.

Static GK fact: Ayushman Bharat was launched on 23 September 2018 and is one of the world’s largest government-funded health assurance programmes.

How to Access Ayushman Sarathi

Citizens can access Ayushman Sarathi by sending “Hi” on WhatsApp to +91 72908 23838 or by scanning the official QR code released by the National Health Authority.

The chatbot is available round the clock and provides secure access to PM-JAY services through authenticated digital channels.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Ayushman Sarathi Expands Digital Access to PM-JAY Services: