The National Cooperative Development Corporation has notified the Ayushman Sahakar scheme to support cooperative societies in the healthcare sector. The scheme is aligned with the National Health Policy 2017 and aims to improve affordable, community-based healthcare through cooperatives. It provides financial assistance for hospitals, medical education, AYUSH facilities, diagnostics, telemedicine, and related health services.
Scheme Objective
The scheme seeks to strengthen healthcare delivery through cooperative ownership and participation. It supports projects that expand access to affordable and holistic care. It also encourages cooperatives to contribute to the National Digital Health Mission and to develop services linked to insurance, education, and health support activities.
Eligible Institutions and Support
Any cooperative society registered under a State Act or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act can apply, provided its bye-laws permit healthcare or health education activities. Assistance may be given as a term loan or investment loan. It can be routed through State Governments or Union Territory Administrations, or directly to eligible cooperatives under NCDC direct funding norms.
Activities Covered
The scheme covers a wide range of infrastructure and services, including:
- Hospitals and medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and paramedical colleges.
- AYUSH centres, yoga wellness centres, and traditional medicine facilities.
- Diagnostics, laboratories, blood banks, trauma centres, and emergency services.
- Telemedicine, remote assisted procedures, and digital health systems.
- Working capital support for day-to-day operations.
Loan Terms and Incentives
The loan period can extend up to eight years, with a moratorium of one to two years on principal repayment, depending on project viability. Women-majority cooperative societies may receive interest at one per cent below the applicable rate, subject to timely repayment. Security may include mortgage of assets, government guarantees, bank guarantees, FDR pledge, or hypothecation of securities. The loan may also be dovetailed with subsidy, grant, VGF, or other government support.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026