The West Bengal government has officially reinstated the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), bringing the state back into India’s national healthcare insurance network after years of political disagreement over the scheme’s implementation. The move is expected to significantly expand access to affordable healthcare, especially for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
According to multiple reports, the state will continue operating its existing Swasthya Sathi scheme alongside Ayushman Bharat, allowing beneficiaries to access wider healthcare support without disrupting ongoing treatment services. This dual model approach is aimed at ensuring smoother healthcare access and financial protection for patients requiring hospitalization and specialized medical care.
One of the biggest highlights of the updated implementation is the expanded eligibility for senior citizens. Under the revised national guidelines, every Indian aged 70 years and above will now be eligible for up to ₹5 lakh in annual cashless health insurance coverage, irrespective of income level or existing private insurance policies.
The scheme will cover secondary and tertiary hospitalization expenses, including diagnostic tests, ICU and non-ICU treatment, medicines, surgeries, implants, room charges, and post hospitalization follow up care. Beneficiaries can receive treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals across the country through a cashless system.
Compared with reports from other healthcare and mainstream news portals, analysts see the decision as part of a broader national push toward expanding universal healthcare coverage. Similar healthcare infrastructure and insurance expansion initiatives are also being discussed in states like Assam, where governments are increasing investment in healthcare access and cancer treatment services.
Healthcare experts believe West Bengal’s return to Ayushman Bharat could improve healthcare affordability for millions of families while strengthening coordination between state and central healthcare systems. Hospitals across Kolkata and other regions have already started preparing for the transition and integration process.
“Healthcare security should not depend on age, income, or geography expanded insurance coverage is becoming the foundation of India’s next healthcare revolution.”
By
HB Team
