Nagaland SC/ST patients to receive enhanced medical aid under revised Ambedkar scheme

The Dr Ambedkar Foundation, under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has revised the Dr Ambedkar Medical Aid Scheme for 2026. The updated guidelines provide enhanced financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) patients in Nagaland and other regions suffering from serious, life-threatening ailments.

Eligible applicants must belong to the SC or ST community and have an annual family income of no more than ₹5 lakh. The scheme covers major ailments including kidney, heart, liver, cancer, and brain-related conditions, as well as organ transplantation and spinal surgery.

Financial assistance limits include: - Up to ₹3.5 lakh for kidney surgery, dialysis, and organ transplantation. - Up to ₹2.5 lakh for cancer surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. - Up to ₹2 lakh for brain surgery and other life-threatening diseases. - Up to ₹1.5 lakh each for heart and spinal surgery.

The scheme covers 100 percent of the estimated cost up to the prescribed maximum, with funds released directly to approved hospitals. Notably, while PM-JAY beneficiaries may receive assistance for kidney or organ transplantation, kidney transplantation itself is not covered under PM-JAY. Eligible institutions include various AIIMS branches, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute, and several specialized cancer and heart foundations.