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Kolkata. A big and important change has come to light regarding health services in West Bengal. The state government has announced the implementation of the Centre’s flagship health scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)’. After this decision, lakhs of people of the state are now expected to get financial relief in the treatment of serious diseases.

Cashless treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh will be available

Under this scheme, cashless treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh will be provided to eligible families every year. That means the patient will not need to pay money to the hospital at the time of treatment. This facility will be available in government hospitals as well as private hospitals associated with the scheme. This will provide great relief to poor and middle class families, who had to face financial crisis at the time of serious illness.

Who will get the benefit of the scheme?

Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Scheme will be selected on the basis of the standards of the Central Government. This mainly includes: poor families included in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), people from economically weaker sections, all senior citizens of 70 years of age or above, etc.

How to get Ayushman card?

The process to avail the benefits of the scheme has been simplified. Those whose names are already included in the SECC data will not need to apply separately. Identification and verification will be done through Aadhar card. Eligibility can be checked at the nearest empaneled hospital or government centre. After verification, Ayushman card will be issued to the beneficiary.

Is the plan important for Bengal?

After the implementation of this scheme, the people of West Bengal will get treatment facilities not only within the state but also in the empaneled hospitals across the country. Now, in case of serious illness, families will not be forced to take loan or sell property for treatment. This change is being considered to give a new direction to the health system of the state.