Ayushman Bharat health scheme launched in West Bengal

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health insurance scheme has officially launched in West Bengal. The rollout, marked by an event at Netaji Indoor Stadium, aims to provide cashless medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year to approximately 1.43 crore families, potentially benefiting around 6 crore residents.

The scheme covers 1,950 types of diseases, including complex procedures such as knee and hip replacements. It includes special provisions for senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are eligible regardless of income. To support the initiative, the state is also introducing ‘Amrit Pharmacies’ in 10 government hospitals to provide medicines at 50% to 80% discounts.

While the central scheme is being implemented, the state will also run the ‘Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme’ to cover those not eligible under Ayushman Bharat. The previous ‘Swasthya Sathi’ program will continue but will be gradually phased out. Currently, 1,903 hospitals, including 627 government and 1,303 private facilities, have entered into initial 90-day agreements to provide services under the scheme.