Can a 76-year-old with esophageal cancer get treatment with an Ayushman card?

Dear Nafisha ji,

We're really sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s diagnosis. Yes, you can apply for an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) card now, and cancer treatment is covered under the scheme—including esophageal cancer—subject to empanelment at the chosen hospital

Can You Apply & Use Immediately?

• Apply online or at a Common Service Center (CSC) using father's Aadhaar—this typically takes 1–2 days for e-KYC and card issuance

• Once the card is issued, it becomes immediately valid. You can then get cashless admission and treatment for his cancer.

Empanelled Hospitals in Delhi NCR for Cancer Treatment

• Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute, Pitampura – Empanelled for surgical and medical oncology

• Government Hospitals: AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lok Nayak and Delhi State Cancer Institute

• Additional private centres: Dharamshila Narayana, Apollo, Fortis & Max (please verify individually)

What You Should Do Next

1. Apply for PM-JAY card online or via CSC using Aadhaar and basic details.

2. Post-issuance, use the portal to search Delhi NCR hospitals:

   • Visit PM-JAY hospital finder

   • Select State: Delhi, choose district, and optionally filter by Speciality: Oncology

   • Click Search to see empanelled hospitals

3. Call the Ayushman Mitra desk at hospital to confirm esophageal cancer treatment coverage

4. Book appointment, and bring diagnostic reports (biopsy scan, etc.) for admission