The newly elected BJP government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced a major decision in its very first Cabinet meeting at Nabanna.
The state will now align with the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance schemes.
Under the scheme, eligible families can get cashless treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh every year at empanelled hospitals across India.
The move is expected to bring major relief to lakhs of families struggling with rising healthcare expenses.
What Is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a government health insurance scheme designed to help economically weaker families access quality medical treatment without financial stress.
The scheme covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation expenses and allows beneficiaries to receive treatment without paying upfront money at participating hospitals.
One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is portability.
Beneficiaries can use the health card anywhere in India at empanelled hospitals.
There is:
No restriction on family size
No age limit
No gender restriction
This makes the scheme accessible to a very large section of the population.
What Treatments Are Covered?
Ayushman Bharat covers treatment for 1,669 medical procedures across 26 specialties.
These include treatment for serious illnesses such as:
Cancer
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney-related illnesses
Non-communicable diseases
Renal and corneal transplants
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology are also included under the scheme.
However, the scheme mainly covers inpatient treatment, meaning hospitals must provide admission-based services to be part of the network.
Special Support for Children Who Lost Parents During COVID-19
The government has also extended special support under Ayushman Bharat to children who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These children will receive:
Health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh
Free treatment at empanelled private and government hospitals
The premium amount for these beneficiaries will be paid through PM CARES until they turn 18 years old.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Online
People can check their eligibility and apply online through:
The Ayushman App
The official beneficiary portal
Official portal:
Ayushman Bharat Beneficiary Portal
Applicants usually need basic details such as Aadhaar and mobile number to verify eligibility.
How to Apply Offline
Those who prefer offline registration can visit:
The nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)
Ayushman Mitra help desks at empanelled hospitals
Applicants need to carry:
Aadhaar Card
Ration Card
Officials will verify eligibility and complete the e-KYC process.
Why This Decision Matters for West Bengal
The inclusion of Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal could significantly improve access to healthcare for many families, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
Medical expenses are one of the biggest financial burdens for Indian households.
A cashless insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh can help families avoid heavy hospital bills during emergencies.
With West Bengal now joining the scheme, more citizens are expected to benefit from affordable healthcare and easier access to treatment across India.
