New Delhi, : A recent regulatory change under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has sparked concern across the healthcare community, as new eligibility criteria are set to restrict several cancer specialists from treating patients under the scheme. The move is expected to impact access to oncology services, particularly for beneficiaries relying on government-supported healthcare.

According to industry sources, the updated rule introduces stricter empanelment and qualification norms for specialists participating in PMJAY, potentially limiting the number of eligible oncologists and treatment centers. While the intent is to standardize care quality and ensure better clinical outcomes, stakeholders fear it may inadvertently reduce patient access, especially in regions already facing a shortage of cancer care specialists.

Healthcare experts have highlighted that oncology care requires highly specialized expertise and infrastructure, and any limitation on provider participation could lead to treatment delays, increased patient load on empanelled centers, and reduced geographical accessibility. This could particularly affect patients in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to advanced cancer treatment is already constrained.

Officials have indicated that the revised norms are aimed at improving quality assurance, ensuring standardized treatment protocols, and enhancing accountability within the PMJAY framework. However, industry bodies and medical professionals are calling for a balanced approach that maintains quality standards while ensuring adequate provider availability.

The development has triggered discussions on the need for policy recalibration, with stakeholders urging authorities to consider transitional provisions, capacity-building measures, and broader inclusion criteria to prevent disruption in cancer care delivery.

PMJAY, one of the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance schemes, plays a crucial role in providing financial protection and access to secondary and tertiary care for millions of beneficiaries. Ensuring both quality and accessibility remains critical to the scheme’s success.