How To Apply for an Ayushman Card on WhatsApp
Eligible AB-PMJAY beneficiaries can now apply for an Ayushman Card through the government's Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp chatbot. The service allows users to check eligibility, apply for a new card, complete eKYC, link Aadhaar, track application status and download the card, offering 24/7 access to PMJAY services from home.
Eligible beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) can now apply for an Ayushman Card through WhatsApp using the government's recently launched chatbot, Ayushman Sarathi. The chatbot enables users to access key PMJAY services around the clock, making it easier to apply for a new card, check eligibility and manage health insurance benefits from home.
The AB-PMJAY scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year to eligible beneficiaries, including all resident Indian senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Previously, applicants had to rely on Common Service Centres (CSCs), government offices or call centres. With the WhatsApp chatbot, many of these services are now available through a mobile phone. PMJAY Ayushman Card: How To Apply Online and Download?
What Is Ayushman Sarathi?
Ayushman Sarathi is the official WhatsApp chatbot introduced to simplify access to PMJAY services.
Besides helping users apply for a new Ayushman Card, the chatbot also allows beneficiaries to:
- Check eligibility for the scheme
- Track Ayushman Card application status
- Download an existing Ayushman Card
- Complete or redo eKYC
- Link Aadhaar with the PMJAY card
- Lock or unlock the Ayushman Card
- Access the Ayushman portal or mobile application
The chatbot acts as a gateway to the official web portal and the Ayushman App, allowing users to complete required verification securely. How To Register and Obtain Ayushman Card in 2026?
How to Apply for an Ayushman Card on WhatsApp
- Save the official Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp number +91 72908 23838 in your mobile contacts.
- Open WhatsApp and send "Hi" or "Hello" to begin the conversation.
- Select "Choose Service" from the menu. Then go to: My Ayushman Card → Apply for PMJAY Card → Submit
If you already have a card, you can also choose options to download it, redo eKYC, link Aadhaar or lock/unlock your PMJAY card.
- The chatbot will redirect you to the official Ayushman web portal or the Ayushman App. Select your preferred option.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and Aadhaar details. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
- Complete the on-screen eKYC process. Once verification is successful, your Ayushman Card can be generated and downloaded through the WhatsApp chat.
Important Points to Remember
Some applications may require additional verification before approval. Applicants should ensure that all personal information matches official records to avoid delays during verification or eKYC.
The government advises users to share personal and Aadhaar-related information only on the official Ayushman Sarathi WhatsApp number +91 72908 23838. After downloading the Ayushman Card, beneficiaries should keep both a digital copy and a printed copy for use during hospital visits.
Benefits for Senior Citizens
The WhatsApp chatbot also enables senior citizens to conveniently apply for or download their Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, reducing the need to visit service centres for routine services.
The introduction of Ayushman Sarathi is aimed at making PMJAY services more accessible, faster and easier for beneficiaries across the country.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2026 09:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
