Ayushman Bharat Extends Free Blood Services to Listed Private Clinics

The Ayushman Bharat health scheme, together with the ABHA health card, now covers free blood transfusion services at private hospitals that are part of the state’s approved list. The announcement was made by Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari during a departmental review.

The scheme guarantees that patients with thalassemia, sickle‑cell anemia and other serious blood disorders can receive transfusions at no cost, provided they present a valid Ayushman Bharat or ABHA card. The package rates, fixed by the health department, ensure uniform pricing across all listed facilities.

Key components of the thalassemia day‑care package include packed cell transfusion, basic laboratory investigations and, in certain cases, a two‑week supply of iron chelation drugs. Prices range from INR 2,300 to INR 3,200, making the service affordable for the most vulnerable families.

The integration of private hospitals into the scheme aims to broaden the geographic reach of free transfusion services, reducing the need for patients to travel to distant government hospitals.