Andaman & Nicobar Administration revises AB-PMJAY medical travel guidelines

The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has revised the Transport and Wage Loss Compensation Guidelines under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The updated provisions, effective from August 1, 2026, are designed to assist beneficiaries referred from the islands to empanelled hospitals in mainland India for specialized medical care.

Key updates include air travel provisions for patients referred from GB Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram. Patients are now permitted to travel via economy class air travel, with reimbursements capped at Rs. 40,000 for the round trip for both the patient and one attendant. For stretcher cases, the State Health Agency (SHA) intends to facilitate cashless air travel arrangements through Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., supported by a proposed advance deposit of Rs. 10 lakh.

Additionally, wage loss compensation has been expanded to all eligible AB-PMJAY beneficiaries. Eligible individuals can receive Rs. 1,000 per day for a maximum of 20 days. This benefit was previously restricted to beneficiaries within the SECC category.