Kolkata: West Bengal has officially become the 36th State/Union Territory to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward universal health coverage. The development was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Government of West Bengal.
The implementation is expected to extend cashless and paperless healthcare benefits to approximately 1.43 crore families, significantly strengthening financial protection for vulnerable sections of society.
MoU Signed Between National Health Authority and West Bengal Government
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, CEO of the National Health Authority, and Mr. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, West Bengal.
The ceremony was presided over by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, in the presence of several senior dignitaries including:
- Anupriya Patel
- Punya Salila Srivastava
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NHA, and Government of West Bengal
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West Bengal’s Inclusion: Coverage and Beneficiary Impact
With this rollout, AB PM-JAY will now cover around 1.24 crore eligible families in West Bengal. Including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, helpers, and senior citizens (70+), the total beneficiary base rises to 1.43 crore families, covering nearly 6 crore individuals.
Key highlights:
- ₹5 lakh annual health cover per eligible family
- Additional benefits for senior citizens aged 70+
- Cashless treatment across empanelled hospitals nationwide
- Coverage for both public and private hospitals
- Nationwide portability for migrant workers
Political and Administrative Statements on the Launch
“Historic Step Toward Universal Health Coverage”
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda described the rollout as a historic step in strengthening India’s healthcare system. He highlighted that AB PM-JAY has already facilitated over 12 crore treatments worth ₹1.82 lakh crore nationwide.
He also emphasized a reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure from 64.6% (pre-2018) to 43.4%.
“Transformative Healthcare Security Initiative”
Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel called the scheme a transformative initiative that provides financial protection to vulnerable families. She noted that more than 62 crore people are now covered under PM-JAY nationwide.
State-Level Commitment to Implementation
The statement attributed in the release to “Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari” is factually incorrect. In West Bengal, the Chief Minister is Mamata Banerjee, while Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly.
West Bengal officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, confirmed that the scheme will provide major relief to families facing high medical costs and ensure wider access to cashless treatment.
Infrastructure and Hospital Network Expansion
Under AB PM-JAY in West Bengal:
- Over 36,000 empanelled hospitals will provide treatment
- Integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will enhance transparency and digital record access
- Portability will benefit migrant workers across India
The scheme is expected to significantly improve healthcare access in both urban and rural regions of the state.
Financial Support and Government Funding
According to National Health Authority CEO Sunil Kumar Barnwal, the Central Government is expected to contribute nearly ₹1,000 crore annually to support implementation in West Bengal.
Additionally, the state will benefit from broader National Health Mission support, including a resource envelope of ₹3,505.59 crore for FY 2026–27, with initial tranches already released.
Public Health Initiatives Alongside PM-JAY
Officials also highlighted complementary health initiatives in the state:
- HPV vaccination programme launched for girls aged 14 years
- Over 33,000 adolescent girls already vaccinated
- TB elimination awareness campaigns under “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”
- Expansion of affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Vision for “Swasth Bengal, Swasth Bharat”
West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that the implementation of AB PM-JAY aligns with the vision of “Swasth Bengal, Swasth Bharat,” focusing on accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
The initiative is expected to reduce financial stress caused by medical expenses and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state.
The rollout of AB PM-JAY in West Bengal marks a major expansion of India’s flagship health assurance scheme. With comprehensive coverage, cashless treatment facilities, and strong digital integration, the initiative is set to significantly improve healthcare access and financial protection for millions of families in the state.
The move further strengthens India’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat mission.
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