Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme Rolled Out in West Bengal
Government Schemes · Thursday, 20 August 2026
The Ayushman Bharat scheme (AB-PMJAY) was rolled out in West Bengal, integrating with local health programs to provide comprehensive secondary and tertiary care hospitalization coverage.
Quick highlights
- Provides ₹5 lakh annual risk cover per family for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
- Targets the bottom 40% of India's vulnerable population without any age or family size caps.
- Covers all pre-existing illnesses from day one of policy activation.
- Recently expanded to unconditionally cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Context
The Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme and West Bengal’s Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana were synergistically rolled out to provide paperless, cashless treatment via empanelled public and private hospitals.
Key Facts
Launched initially in September 2018 under the NHA, AB-PMJAY encompasses over 1,900 medical procedures. It features nationwide portability and wraps in 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization costs.
Significance
By mitigating catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, it shields poor households from debt traps and aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Exam Angle
Frequent topic in GS Paper II (Social Justice). Understand the distinct pillars of Ayushman Bharat, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the Digital Mission (ABDM).
Remember this
- AB-PMJAY offers ₹5 Lakh per family per year.
- No cap on family size, gender, or age.
- Universal coverage explicitly available for all individuals aged 70 and above.
- Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA).