How to Get Free Dialysis via ABHA at Eskag Sanjeevani
Kidney failure can place a heavy emotional and financial strain on you and your family. Many patients in India ask whether dialysis can become affordable or even free. Government schemes such as PMNDP and Ayushman Bharat have created structured pathways for eligible patients. ABHA supports record continuity and smoother hospital access under national health programmes.
In this blog, you will learn how eligibility, documentation and hospital selection affect access to subsidised dialysis in India.
Key Takeaways:
- Free dialysis is available in India for eligible patients under the PMNDP or PM-JAY schemes.
- ABHA links your medical records and supports smoother registration at empanelled dialysis centres.
- Eligibility depends on government criteria, medical assessment and hospital empanelment status.
Quick Answer: Free dialysis is available in India for eligible patients under the PMNDP or Ayushman Bharat scheme, after verification and hospital registration.
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Is Dialysis Free in India?
Free dialysis exists in India, but you need the right scheme and valid eligibility proof.
- PMNDP offers free dialysis for eligible BPL patients at district hospitals.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY offers up to ₹5 lakh cover per family per year at empanelled hospitals 1. - Many state hospitals also offer subsidised dialysis for non-BPL patients.
Kidney dialysis costs can still rise due to tests, travel, and medicines. - You must confirm the scheme rules at official portals before you plan care.
If you experience symptoms like sudden swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or reduced urination, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency department.
You can access free dialysis in India through specific government health schemes provided in the following sections.
1. PMNDP: Free dialysis for eligible BPL patients
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) began on 07 April 2016 under the National Health Mission. According to Government data, PMNDP has 1,704 centres and is operational in 751 districts 2. The programme provides free haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for eligible poor patients. You must carry proof of eligibility and medical advice for dialysis at the time of registration.
2. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: A cashless cover that can pay for dialysis
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year to eligible families. You can use this cover at public or private empanelled hospitals. You should confirm your status on the official PM-JAY portal before admission.
For grievances, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Helpline Number: 14555 / 1800111565
You can also access the PM-JAY Beneficiary Portal before admission.
3. Public hospitals and state support: Subsidised care for many patients
Government hospitals often charge far less than private hospitals for dialysis sessions. A recent national study reports a haemodialysis (HD) session cost range of ₹600-₹5,000 3. You should ask the hospital social service desk about state support and rate cards.
In Kolkata, government hospitals such as SSKM Hospital typically charge at the lower end of this range, while private facilities vary based on amenities offered.
Next, let’s understand the cost of dialysis in India, focusing on categories and session frequencies.
Kidney Dialysis Cost in India
Free dialysis support does not remove all costs for everyone, so many people still face bills for regular haemodialysis sessions. The cost of kidney dialysis varies by location, hospital type, and session frequency.
Here is a tabular representation of kidney dialysis costs in India:
| Category | Typical Cost |
| Government hospital session | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Private hospital session | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Private premium hospital | ₹4,000 – ₹6,600 |
| Monthly cost (2–3 sessions/week) | ₹8,000 – ₹72,000 |
| Peritoneal dialysis monthly | ₹4,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Haemodialysis monthly | ₹600 – ₹5,000 |
Note: These figures reflect typical fees for haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in India in 2026. Actual charges may vary by city, hospital policy and patient needs. Government support schemes, including free dialysis through eligible public programmes, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What is ABHA?
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a government-issued digital health identifier that lets you store and share your medical records securely online. It works as a unique digital identity for your health history and can help you and your healthcare providers manage care more easily.
- Unique ID: It provides a 14-digit health number for every person.
- Official mission: It is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) led by the Government of India.
- Digital storage: Your health records are linked to your ABHA ID for secure access.
- Consent-based: You control which providers can view your records.
- No treatment cover: It does not itself cover treatment costs or guarantee free dialysis or other financial benefits.
What ABHA Does
ABHA creates a lasting digital identity for your health data. It links test reports, prescriptions, and records across providers so you can avoid lost files and duplicate entries. This digital identity stays the same over your lifetime and moves with you across hospitals in India.
Your ABHA number lets providers view your history only with your consent. You must share your ABHA ID at a clinic or hospital before they access your records. It helps speed up visits and reduces paperwork.
ABHA is free for all Indian residents to create. You do not pay a fee to generate this health ID on the official portal. The process uses your Aadhaar or another government ID, along with a mobile number linked to that ID.
With a clear understanding of ABHA, let’s now explore some of the benefits that ABHA provides comprehensively.
Click here to create your ABHA ID: ABHA ID Registration.
4 ABHA Card Benefits for Dialysis Patients
An ABHA card can support your access to free dialysis by linking your health records with eligible government schemes and registered hospitals across India.
Here are four ABHA card benefits you must know:
1. Centralised Health Records
Your ABHA number links past lab reports, nephrologist notes and dialysis details in one place. You avoid submitting the same file at every hospital visit. This record helps doctors review your case quickly and safely.
2. Faster Registration at Dialysis Centres
You can share your ABHA number during hospital registration. Staff can access your medical data after your consent. It saves time and reduces manual documentation.
3. Portability Across India
You can use your ABHA at any ABDM-linked facility in India. It helps if you travel or shift to another city. Your dialysis history remains available without physical files.
4. Better Continuity of Care
Doctors can review past session details before the next dialysis cycle. It supports safer dose decisions and monitoring. You receive more consistent medical care with complete access to data.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Free Dialysis Using ABHA
Free dialysis becomes possible when you pair ABHA with an eligible scheme and an empanelled facility.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get a free dialysis in India using ABHA:
Step 1: Create your ABHA number
Create an ABHA number on the official ABHA portal or via India.gov.in. Use Aadhaar or other ID, plus a mobile number, as the portal asks 4. Save your ABHA number and ABHA address for hospital use.
Step 2: Check your scheme eligibility
PMNDP offers free dialysis for BPL beneficiaries at district hospitals under NHM. PM-JAY can cover dialysis for eligible families at empanelled hospitals. Check PM-JAY status on the official beneficiary portal with your mobile number.
Step 3: Find an empanelled dialysis facility
Use official PM-JAY and PMNDP sources to find a suitable facility near you. Ask the facility if it supports ABDM and accepts your scheme for dialysis. Keep a backup public hospital option in place if slots remain limited. For Kolkata residents, check the PM-JAY portal for local empanelled facilities, including both government and private hospitals in the city.
Step 4: Register at the facility with ABHA and scheme proof
Share your ABHA number at the registration desk for your record access. Show BPL proof for PMNDP or your PM-JAY details as the desk asks. Give consent before staff access any digital health record under ABDM.
Step 5: Start sessions and keep your records complete
Bring your nephrologist’s advice, recent lab reports, and prescribed dialysis plan. Ask the centre to record each session summary under your ABHA profile. Keep copies of all bills for items outside the scheme scope, as policy can differ.
Also read: From Dialysis to New Life: How Dialysis Improves Life Expectancy.
Free Dialysis at Eskag Sanjeevani Dialysis Centres
Eskag Sanjeevani operates a national network of more than 170 dialysis centres under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with government health authorities 5. Through this model, it works in collaboration with state and central health schemes to expand access to renal care services. As a recognised dialysis centre in Kolkata, Eskag Sanjeevani provides haemodialysis and renal support services under trained nephrology supervision and established clinical protocols.
Eligible patients may access subsidised or scheme-based treatment, including free dialysis, subject to government programme criteria and medical assessment. You should confirm your scheme eligibility and clinical suitability directly with the hospital before admission.
Final Thoughts
You should first confirm your eligibility under PMNDP or PM-JAY before you plan dialysis care. Create your ABHA number early, so your medical records remain organised and accessible. Keep all diagnostic reports and nephrologist prescriptions ready for hospital review.
Free dialysis depends on verified documentation, scheme approval, and clinical suitability. If you seek structured renal support, centres, such as Eskag Sanjeevani, operate under PPP frameworks and government collaboration, so you should confirm eligibility directly with the hospital team.
References
- https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease/update-ayushman-bharat-pradhan-mantri-jan-arogya-yojana-ab-pm-jay
- https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease-285
- https://indianjnephrol.org/dialysis-practices-across-india-a-nationwide-study
- https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/create-an-ayushman-bharat-health-account-abha-number
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/eskag-sanjeevani-expands-to-170-dialysis-and-25-diagnostic-centres-nationwide-setting-a-new-benchmark-for-accessible-healthcare-in-india/
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dialysis is a serious medical procedure requiring supervision by qualified nephrologists. Before starting treatment, consult a licensed healthcare provider. Cost and eligibility information are based on February 2026 data and may change. Always verify current program details with official government portals.
You can get free dialysis in India if you qualify under PMNDP or Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and complete the eligibility verification process. Register at an empanelled hospital with the required identity and medical documents, as per a nephrologist’s instructions. If you are in West Bengal, confirm whether your chosen dialysis centre in Kolkata is empanelled under the scheme before admission.
Dialysis costs vary based on hospital type and city. Government hospitals generally charge between ₹500 and ₹1,500 per session, depending on state policy. Private hospitals may charge between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000 per session. Patients usually require two to three sessions per week, which can significantly increase monthly expenses if no scheme applies.
ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a free 14-digit digital health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It allows secure storage and sharing of your medical records across participating healthcare facilities. ABHA is not mandatory for dialysis treatment, but many hospitals under ABDM use it for faster digital registration and record access. ABHA does not provide financial coverage for treatment.
You can check your eligibility for PM-JAY by visiting the official beneficiary portal and entering your mobile number or Aadhaar details. You may also call the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 / 1800111565. If you hold a valid BPL card, you may qualify for PMNDP services at participating government hospitals. Eligibility depends on state guidelines and hospital empanelment status.
You typically need eligibility proof, such as a BPL card or PM-JAY card, along with Aadhaar identification. You must also provide medical documentation, including a nephrologist’s prescription confirming the need for dialysis and relevant diagnostic reports. Some facilities may require ABHA details for digital registration. Always confirm the required documents directly with the hospital before admission.