West Bengal Implements Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Summary of Key Facts and Developments

Constitutional References & Government Schemes:

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY): West Bengal is the 36th State/Union Territory to implement this scheme which provides health assurance to poor and vulnerable families.

Implementation Details:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Signed between the National Health Authority (NHA), part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and the West Bengal Department of Health & Family Welfare.
• Ceremony attended by: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Health Coverage and Impact:

• Launch Date: The scheme was initially launched in September 2018.
• Beneficiaries: Over 12 crore treatments have been availed under the scheme, amounting to treatments worth more than ₹1.82 lakh crore.
• Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Declined from 64.6% (pre-2018) to 43.4% currently, indicating significant financial relief for families.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Cashless, Paperless, Digital Healthcare: Ensures users can access quality healthcare services seamlessly.
• Portability Feature: Beneficial for migrant workers allowing cashless treatment in different states, enhancing continuity of care.

Vaccination Efforts:

• HPV Vaccination Programme: Launched on May 30, 2026, targeting adolescent girls aged 14 years.
• Current Statistics: Over 33,000 girls vaccinated out of a target of 7.65 lakh beneficiaries.

Financial Support:

• Recent Allocation: ₹527 crore released by the Government of India under the National Health Mission to bolster West Bengal's healthcare infrastructure and services.

Eligible Families for Coverage:

• Approximately 1.24 crore eligible families will benefit from this scheme, extending coverage to 1.43 crore families, including ASHAs, Aanganwadi workers, and senior citizens.

Conclusion:

• The implementation of AB PM-JAY in West Bengal is a significant step in providing health assurance, enhancing financial protection against healthcare costs, and improving access to quality health services for a vast population. The addition of HPV vaccination initiatives underscores the state’s commitment to public health.