PMJAY Rule Change Sparks Concern as Fellowship-Trained Oncologists Are Sidelined

A recent policy shift under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY has triggered concern across India’s medical community, as hundreds of experienced cancer specialists have been barred from treating patients due to new eligibility norms. The rule mandates that only doctors with super-specialty degrees recognised by the National Medical Commission—such as DM, MCh, or DrNB—can provide treatment under the scheme, effectively excluding fellowship-trained oncologists.

The move impacts over 300 specialists nationwide, many of whom trained at premier cancer institutes and bring decades of clinical experience. Despite their expertise, these doctors are now deemed ineligible, including some who have previously taught degree-holding oncologists. The exclusion stems from updated guidelines following the transition from the Medical Council of India to the NMC in 2020, which prioritised formal degree pathways over fellowship-based training.

The implications are particularly severe for patients in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. India already faces a significant shortage of cancer specialists, with roughly one medical oncologist per million people and only around 4,000 oncosurgeons nationwide. In smaller cities where private insurance coverage is limited, PMJAY often serves as the primary access point for affordable cancer care. With fewer eligible doctors, patients may now be forced to travel to overcrowded metro hospitals, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment in time-sensitive cases.

Medical associations, including the Indian Medical Association and the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, have urged authorities to revisit the policy. They argue that fellowship-trained oncologists, particularly those from reputed institutions or with substantial experience, should be included in eligibility criteria. Many doctors have also raised concerns about the retrospective application of the rule, warning it could set a precedent affecting other government health schemes.

With both the National Health Authority and the NMC yet to resolve the issue, the situation remains in a state of uncertainty. Some affected practitioners are now considering legal action, even as the broader healthcare system grapples with balancing regulatory standards and urgent patient care needs.