The rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal is underway, with the state government beginning the process of issuing the Ayushman Bharat card to eligible beneficiaries. As registration and card distribution continue, many residents have been wondering whether everyone in the state will receive an Ayushman Bharat card under the Centre’s flagship health insurance programme.
Addressing these concerns, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made a major announcement during a public meeting at Rejinagar in Murshidabad. He said people who do not receive an Ayushman Bharat card will still be covered under a separate state-backed health insurance scheme.
CM announces alternative health insurance cover
Speaking at the rally, the Chief Minister said the government aims to issue Ayushman Bharat cards to a large section of the state’s population.
“We will issue Ayushman Bharat cards to more than 6.5 crore people. Those who do not receive an Ayushman Bharat card will be provided free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. Unlike the previous government, beneficiaries will not be limited to treatment within West Bengal. Our government will ensure they can avail the benefits across India.”
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The announcement comes amid growing questions over eligibility and whether all residents will receive the benefits of the central health insurance scheme.
What if you don’t get an Ayushman Bharat card in West Bengal?
The Chief Minister clarified that residents who are left out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme will not lose access to government-funded healthcare. Instead, they will be covered under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which will offer cashless treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh.
This assurance is expected to ease concerns among those who were uncertain about their eligibility as the registration process continues across the state.
What this means for beneficiaries
After the change in government, the BJP-led administration announced that West Bengal would join the Ayushman Bharat programme and initiated its implementation. Registration, form submission and the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards have already begun.
Even as the rollout progresses, discussions have continued over whether the scheme would cover every resident, particularly in comparison with the previous government’s Swasthya Sathi programme.
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According to the Chief Minister’s announcement, those who do not receive an Ayushman Bharat card will still have access to government-backed health insurance through the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. The government has also stated that beneficiaries under the state scheme will be able to avail treatment not only in West Bengal but across India. As card distribution continues, the announcement provides greater clarity on the healthcare support available to residents who are not included under Ayushman Bharat.
FAQs:
Who will get an Ayushman Bharat card in West Bengal?
The West Bengal government says more than 6.5 crore people will receive Ayushman Bharat cards under the ongoing rollout.
What happens if I don’t get an Ayushman Bharat card in West Bengal?
According to CM Suvendu Adhikari, those left out will receive up to ₹5 lakh free treatment under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme.