Gujarat’s government has launched a transformative healthcare scheme on June 27, 2025, offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Covering hospitalization, surgeries, and critical treatments like cancer care, the initiative aims to ease financial burdens. Over 31.67 lakh BPL families are set to benefit, with seamless access through empanelled hospitals.
Gujarat Unveils Free Healthcare Scheme for BPL Families
On June 27, 2025, the Gujarat government announced a landmark healthcare initiative, providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families across the state. The scheme, rolled out under the Ayushman Bharat framework, targets over 31.67 lakh BPL households, ensuring access to critical medical services, including hospitalization, surgeries, and specialized treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on economically disadvantaged families, particularly for high-cost treatments. Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals by presenting their Aadhaar and BPL ration cards. The scheme covers a wide range of procedures, including cancer care, cardiac surgeries, and organ transplants, with no cap on family size, ensuring inclusivity.
Gujarat’s Health Minister stated that the program integrates with the state’s existing healthcare infrastructure, with 385 government and 531 private hospitals empanelled to deliver services. The state has also partnered with 36 hospitals in neighboring states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to facilitate treatment for BPL families in border districts. This move ensures portability and accessibility for migrant families within Gujarat.
According to government data, Gujarat has seen a steady rise in BPL families, with 1,359 new additions reported between 2021 and 2023, particularly in districts like Amreli (425 families) and Sabarkantha (301 families). Despite Gujarat’s economic growth, with a per capita income rise of 8.9% in 2021-22, poverty persists, underscoring the need for such welfare measures. The scheme leverages the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data to identify eligible households, though experts like economist Hemant Kumar Shah have called for a fresh survey to reflect post-COVID economic realities.
The program also introduces a streamlined application process via the National Food Security Portal and state government websites, allowing families to verify their BPL status online. For those not yet listed, local government offices will assist with applications, ensuring no eligible family is left out. The initiative is expected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which have been a significant burden for low-income households.
Additionally, the scheme aligns with national efforts like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides similar benefits but is now customized to address Gujarat’s specific needs. Hospitals will receive reimbursements directly from the state, ensuring smooth operations and timely care delivery. The government has allocated substantial funds to support this initiative, though exact figures remain undisclosed as of July 5, 2025.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from social workers and healthcare advocates, who see it as a critical step toward equitable healthcare access. However, concerns remain about the adequacy of empanelled hospitals in rural areas and the need for awareness campaigns to ensure all eligible families can avail of the benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and publicly available data from sources like The Indian Express, The Hindu, and Times of India. Information is accurate as of July 5, 2025, and subject to updates as new details emerge.