**Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Becomes First State to Offer Free OPD Consultations to Ayushman Bharat Beneficiaries in Private Hospitals**
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the first state in India to provide free outpatient department (OPD) consultations to Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries at private hospitals. This landmark initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme beyond inpatient care.
In the first phase of implementation, a total of 180 private hospitals have been linked to the scheme. Among these, around 20 hospitals will offer entirely free OPD consultations, while the remaining hospitals will provide discounts ranging from 20% to 50% on consultation charges.
The program is being carried out by the State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Service (SACHIS). Beneficiaries can conveniently book their OPD appointments by calling the dedicated helpline number 1800-1800-4444. Upon connecting, patients receive guidance through the hospital appointment systems and are allotted confirmed time slots.
The scheme covers five key OPD categories:
– General Consultations
– Specialty Services (including heart, kidney, and gastroenterology)
– Elective Procedures (such as knee replacement, cataract surgery, and delivery)
– Follow-up Visits
– Emergency Care
Patients who require hospital admission will be enrolled under Ayushman Bharat for free treatment. Those who do not need hospitalization will still benefit from discounted OPD fees.
Archana Verma, CEO of SACHIS, emphasized that the initiative is designed to improve patient access and extend Ayushman Bharat benefits beyond just inpatient services. “The goal is to give beneficiaries better services by partnering with private hospitals,” she said. She also noted that more hospitals will be included in upcoming phases of the program.
This pioneering move by Uttar Pradesh marks a significant step toward more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare coverage for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries across the state.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-becomes-first-state-to-offer-free-opd-consultations-under-ayushman-bharat
