Sterling Hospitals, a leading hospital chain in Western India, has opened its newly redesigned Ayushman Floor, aimed at enhancing patient care and comfort under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Although the inauguration ceremony was planned to mark the occasion in Ahmedabad, it did not take place as scheduled. However, the hospital has made the ward operational to ensure continued access to services for eligible patients.
The event was expected to include a session on the PMJAY scheme and the role of government, led by Harshadkumar Patel, Commissioner of Health, Government of Gujarat. When approached for comment on the event and Sterling&rsquo;s past penalties related to the Ayushman scheme, Patel responded, &ldquo;I am not going to comment. We will look into it.&rdquo; He did not provide further remarks.
Benefit News had sought Patel&rsquo;s view on Sterling Hospital&rsquo;s earlier penalties, reportedly linked to charging Ayushman beneficiaries, and whether establishing separate Ayushman wards with allegedly leaner staffing aligns with the spirit of the scheme. No additional comment was offered.
Dr Simmardeep Singh Gill, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Hospitals, addressed the intent behind the initiative. &ldquo;Sterling Hospitals, as a network, we run six hospitals and almost all hospitals have some specialities or other which are covered under the PMJAY scheme,&rdquo; he told Benefit News.
&ldquo;We are also very conscious of the fact that we do not want to differentiate between the patients who come outside of Yojana and those who come through Yojana. This is the main intent behind creating this upmarket ward, and it is equivalent to other suites or beds in our hospital,&rdquo; Dr Gill explained.
He added, &ldquo;The level of care which is provided to the PMJAY patients is the same as the care we provide to the other patients in our hospital. For us, a patient is always first and above, irrespective of the background or any other thing.&rdquo;
Benefit News has learnt that although the inauguration was deferred, the ward was made functional without delay to avoid any disruption in patient care. The hospital reiterated its commitment to delivering quality treatment to all patients under the Ayushman scheme, in line with the standards of its broader healthcare services.
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Despite delayed ceremony, Sterling’s new Ayushman ward begins serving patients under PMJAY

Sterling Hospitals Opens Redesigned Ayushman Floor

Despite delayed ceremony, Sterling’s new Ayushman ward begins serving patients under PMJAY

July 17, 2025 | 18:55 IST