Transgender Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Since August 2022, 3,029 transgender persons have been included in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). An MoU was signed between the National Health Authority and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to extend health insurance benefits to transgender individuals.

A total of 3,029 verified transgender persons have been included under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) since August 2022, Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Nadda revealed that an MoU has been signed between the National Health Authority and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This agreement aims to bring the benefits of the national health insurance scheme to transgender individuals, particularly under the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise sub-scheme of the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.

Under the Health Benefit Package 2022, these beneficiaries enjoy cashless healthcare services. However, gender affirmation surgery is not covered under the AB-PMJAY, and thus, no beneficiary has undergone this treatment through the scheme. Nevertheless, additional transgender-specific treatments are available, and these services are offered at Safdarjung Hospital and Dr. RML Hospital in Delhi.