Between December 2023 and September 2025, 134 new private hospitals and 2 government hospitals joined the Aarogyasri network, taking the total number of empanelled hospitals (both private and government hospitals included) across Telangana to 1,509. This steady expansion, enabled by reforms in the empanelment system, has significantly widened healthcare access for beneficiaries.

The Congress government simplified the empanelment process soon after taking charge, acting on recommendations of a high-level committee chaired by the CEO of Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust (RAHCT). Key reforms included reducing mandatory documentation, eliminating repetitive fields, streamlining approval levels, and holding orientation sessions for hospitals. These steps not only cut the data-entry workload by nearly 60% but also reduced turnaround time, encouraging more hospitals to join the network.

Strengthening the financial base of Aarogyasri has been another major achievement. Officials stated that payments to hospitals averaged just Rs 57 crore per month earlier. In the past 21 months under the Congress administration, a total of Rs 1,779 crore has been released to empanelled hospitals — averaging nearly Rs 890 crore annually. 

With another three months of payments due, the yearly average is set to cross the Rs 1,000 crore mark, reflecting timely reimbursements and improved operational flow.

The government has also doubled the free treatment limit under Aarogyasri from ₹5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh per family, giving beneficiaries stronger financial protection. Responding to long-standing demands from hospitals, package charges were revised upward by 22% soon after the new government took over — a move that had been pending for years.

Alongside financial and structural reforms, hospital participation has surged, with new empanelled hospitals added under the Congress government’s initiative. The widened hospital base ensures better geographical spread, improved specialty availability, and stronger service delivery under Aarogyasri and AB-PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana).

With increased payments, expanded hospital coverage, doubled financial ceilings, and revised package charges, the Congress government has delivered a comprehensive overhaul of Aarogyasri in less than two years. The reforms are being seen as a landmark step toward making quality healthcare accessible and sustainable for lakhs of families across Telangana. Empanelment Status Before and After December 2023.