126 Private Hospitals in MP Excluded from Ayushman Scheme List Due to Lack of NABH Accreditation

Bhopal: A major decision regarding the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been taken in the state. Under a new system implemented in the state effective April 1, 2026, 126 private hospitals have been removed from the scheme. Consequently, the facility of free treatment using an Ayushman card will no longer be available at these hospitals. According to the Health Department, this step has been taken to improve the quality of treatment provided in hospitals. Hospitals that do not possess NABH accreditation have been excluded from the scope of this scheme.

According to statistics, 51 hospitals in Bhopal, 30 in Indore, 33 in Gwalior, and 12 in Jabalpur have been affected by this decision. Following this change, patients will receive treatment only at those hospitals that meet the prescribed standards. However, this decision could impact a large number of people who, until now, relied on small and medium-sized hospitals. Experts believe that an increase in the patient load at larger hospitals could lead to both increased pressure on resources and longer waiting times.

Previously, 398 hospitals were registered under the scheme in the state; however, many of these were either at an initial stage of development or failed to meet the necessary standards. Under the new system, hospitals lacking NABH certification have been immediately excluded, while entry-level hospitals have been granted a limited timeframe to upgrade their facilities. Overall, the government’s objective is to ensure the quality of healthcare services; however, this also presents the challenge of how to ensure timely and accessible treatment for those in need.

What is NABH Accreditation?
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) serves as the highest benchmark in India for the certification of hospital quality and patient safety. It is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India. It evaluates hospitals against more than 600 standards to ensure the provision of safe, hygienic, and high-quality healthcare services to patients, following which it issues them a certificate.