West Bengal Joins Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, Becomes 36th State to Implement Scheme

The sate of West Bengal set to become the 36th State/Union Territory t implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and it marks the significant milestone in country’ journey towards the universal health coverage. This will be formalized via Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the West Bengal state government.

West Bengal Joins the Ayushman Bharat Network

The state Government of West Bengal is set to formally join the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme via an agreement with the National Health Authority (NHA).

With this the West Bengal will become the 36th State/UT to implement the flagship health assurance program. This development is viewed as the major advancement to expanding the healthcare coverage across the India and ensuring that more citizens have access to quality medical treatment.

What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

National Health Authority administers Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY which is recognized as the world’s largest public funded health assurance scheme.

The scheme provides the health insurance coverage of up to the ₹5 lakh per family per year for the secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to eligible beneficiaries.

It also aims to reduce the out of pcoket healthcare expenses and improve the access to quality treatment through a nationwide network of the empaneled hospitals.

Key Features of PM-JAY

• Provide health cover up to ₹5 lakh per family annually
• Cashless treatment at the empaneled hospitals
• Coverage for the secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
• Nationwide portability of benefits
• Financial protection against the catastrophic health expenditure
• Access to both public and private empanelled hospitals

Benefits for the West Bengal Residents

The inclusion of the West Bengal in PM-JAY is expected to benefit millions of the eligible residents by expanding access to affordable healthcare services across the satet.

One of the major advantages is the portability, which allows beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across the India regardless of their home state.

This feature can be particularly useful for the migrant workers and the families travelling outside the state.

The scheme is also expected to reduce the financial burden which is associated with the serious illnesses and major hospitalizations.

About Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

• Scheme Name: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
• Launched Year: 2018
• Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA)
• Health Cover Up to: ₹5 Lakh per Family per Year
• Coverage of the Scheme: Secondary and Tertiary Hospitalization
• Type of Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Objective: Universal Health Coverage and Financial Protection