West Bengal Expands Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Coverage to Over 50,000 Families

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides cashless health coverage to over 50,000 families in West Bengal, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The scheme covers hospitalization, surgeries and medicines at government and empanelled private hospitals, aiming to reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses for low‑income households.

Suvendu Adhikari said the rollout demonstrates the state’s commitment to universal health access and will lower mortality from preventable diseases. He highlighted that the beneficiaries include senior citizens, pregnant women and chronic‑ill patients who previously faced financial barriers.

Bengal Health Department has coordinated with 120 empanelled hospitals to process claims electronically, cutting approval time to under 48 hours. The initiative also includes health awareness drives in rural blocks, expecting to improve early diagnosis and reduce hospital overcrowding.

State Government plans to expand the scheme to an additional 30,000 families next quarter, funded by central allocations and state budget reallocation. Officials anticipate that broader coverage will boost economic productivity by keeping the workforce healthier.