Ayushman Bharat West Bengal is undergoing a massive shift in its healthcare infrastructure. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the central government’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), will officially roll out across West Bengal starting July 1, 2026.
This marks a major policy change, as the state had previously opted out of the central scheme in 2019 under the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration to run its own parallel health scheme, Swasthya Sathi.
Ayushman Bharat Card - West Bengal
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is now being rolled out in West Bengal after years of the state relying mainly on its own Swasthya Sathi scheme. Recent reports say the new state government has approved implementation and enrollment has started, with cards expected from July 2026.
- Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- Eligibility:
- Economically weaker families under PM-JAY criteria
- Senior citizens aged 70+ are also eligible regardless of income under the expanded scheme.
- Hospitals:
- Both government and empanelled private hospitals will participate.
- Current status in West Bengal:
- Enrollment and hospital onboarding are underway.
- Health cards are expected to begin distribution around July 2026.
Swasthya Sathi Card to Ayushman Bharat Card
Shifting Swasthya Sathi to Ayushman Bharat: Over 6 crore beneficiaries currently holding Swasthya Sathi cards will be systematically migrated into the Ayushman Bharat ecosystem.
Pan-India Portability: One of the biggest advantages of this shift is national coverage. While Swasthya Sathi was largely limited to empanelled hospitals within West Bengal, Ayushman Bharat health cards will allow patients to receive cashless treatment at registered public and private hospitals anywhere in India. This is a huge benefit for the nearly 1 crore migrant workers from Bengal living in other states.
Coverage Amount: Ayushman Bharat offers free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Card (PM-JAY)
Ayushman Bharat for West Bengal
- The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme is being rolled out in West Bengal from July 2026 under CM Suvendu Adhikari.
- Enrollment process has already started.
Ayushman Bharat Card Apply
You can apply through 3 main methods:
- Online (Easiest)
- Ayushman App
- Common Service Centre (CSC) near you
Step-by-Step
Ayushman Bharat Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal Go to: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ (or https://pmjay.gov.in/ → Click on “Am I Eligible”)
Step 2: Login
- Enter your Mobile Number
- Enter Captcha → Verify with OTP
Step 3: Select Details
- Choose State: West Bengal
- Select Sub Scheme: PM-JAY
- Select your District
- Search using Aadhaar Number, Name, or Family ID
Step 4: Do e-KYC
- Click on “Do e-KYC”
- Verify with Aadhaar OTP
Step 5: If eligible, your Ayushman Card will be generated. You can download and print it.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar
- Ration Card (if available)
- Family details
Alternative Methods
- Ayushman App: Download from Google Play Store → Register with Aadhaar
- CSC / Arogya Mitra: Visit nearest Common Service Centre or empanelled hospital
FAQ
What is Ayushman Bharat?
National Health Authority operates Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, a central government health insurance scheme that provides cashless treatment coverage for eligible families across India.
Is Ayushman Bharat available in West Bengal?
Yes. West Bengal has started implementing Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY alongside existing health schemes. Enrollment and card generation are being rolled out gradually across districts.
How much coverage is provided?
Eligible families can receive up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalization and medical treatment.