The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is set to roll out the Ayushman Sahakar Program 2026. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to cooperative-run healthcare institutions, a vital necessity during health emergencies in India. Inspired by the successful cooperative hospital framework in Kerala—which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 crisis—the Ayushman Sahakar Yojana aims to strengthen medical infrastructure. This guide covers essential details such as program goals, supported activities, infrastructure development, subsidies, margin requirements, working capital, eligibility, project costs, loan tenures, interest rates, security mandates, and funding structures.
NCDC Ayushman Sahakar Program 2026
Through the Ayushman Sahakar Program 2026, the federal government aims to empower cooperatives to establish robust healthcare infrastructure. Under this initiative, the NCDC will provide loans amounting to Rs. 10,000 crore to eligible cooperatives for developing medical facilities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the program's framework for 2026.
Objectives of the Ayushman Sahakar Program
The primary goals of the Ayushman Sahakar Program are as follows:
- Supporting the delivery of affordable, holistic healthcare through cooperative-run hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions,
- Promoting AYUSH-based medical facilities managed by cooperatives,
- Helping cooperative societies align with the goals of the National Health Policy,
- Facilitating cooperative participation in the National Digital Health Mission,
- Assisting cooperatives in providing comprehensive health services, including education, insurance, and related wellness activities.
Infrastructure Growth under Ayushman Sahakar
The program focuses on developing diverse infrastructure for the following sectors:
- Hospitals and colleges for Medical, AYUSH, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Paramedical, and Physiotherapy education,
- Yoga and Wellness Centers,
- Healthcare centers for Ayurveda, Allopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy,
- Geriatric care services,
- Palliative care facilities,
- Healthcare for individuals with disabilities,
- Mental health services,
- Emergency and Trauma care centers,
- Physiotherapy clinics,
- Mobile medical units,
- Health clubs and fitness centers,
- AYUSH pharmaceutical manufacturing units,
- Drug testing labs,
- Dental care clinics,
- Ophthalmology centers,
- Pathology laboratories,
- Diagnostic services,
- Blood banks and transfusion centers,
- Panchakarma, Thokkanam, and Kshar Sutra therapy centers,
- Unani Regimental Therapy (Ilaj Bil Tadbeer) centers,
- Maternal and child health services,
- Reproductive and child health programs,
- Any other services deemed appropriate by the NCDC.
Activities Supported by NCDC Ayushman Sahakar
A) Infrastructure - The scheme facilitates the creation, modernization, expansion, and renovation of medical and educational facilities, including: