Panaji, April 20, 2026:
Goa has emerged as a national leader in healthcare delivery, securing the Best Performing Small State award in the Pre-Authorization Approval TAT (Overall) category for FY 2025–26 under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

The award was presented by Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Authority, during the Chintan Shivir held on April 17–18 in Pune.

Representing the state, Yatindra Maralkar, Secretary (Health) and CEO of AB PM-JAY Goa, along with Dikshita Borkar, received the honour.

The recognition underscores Goa’s strong administrative efficiency and commitment to delivering timely, citizen-centric healthcare. During the year, the state processed 12,991 pre-authorization cases, covering treatments worth Rs. 3 crore, ensuring prompt access to critical medical services.

Under AB PM-JAY—considered the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme—eligible families receive annual coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary hospitalization across empanelled hospitals nationwide, with the benefit of cashless treatment and pan-India portability.

In Goa, the scheme currently operates through a network of 26 empanelled hospitals, offering access to 2,685 medical procedures, including day care, secondary, and advanced tertiary treatments.

Officials stated that the award reinforces Goa’s position as a model for efficient healthcare governance, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.