To provide easy access to services to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Central Government has launched an official WhatsApp chatbot named ‘Ayushman Sarathi’. The government says beneficiaries will no longer need to rely on government offices or call centers for essential services; Instead, they can avail these services 24 hours a day directly through WhatsApp.
**Essential services on WhatsApp**
Through Ayushman Sarathi, beneficiaries can check their eligibility under PM-JAY, apply for a new Ayushman card, download their card and complete eKYC. Apart from this, tasks like linking Aadhaar, locking or unlocking the card, viewing treatment records and checking wallet balance will become easier. Services to ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ for people aged 70 years and above will also be available on this platform.
**Features ranging from hospital search to complaint redressal**
This chatbot doesn’t just provide information. Beneficiaries can use it to search nearby empaneled hospitals and lodge complaints. They can track the status of the complaint or withdraw it if needed. Additionally, the platform also offers a call-back facility and the option to give feedback after discharge from the hospital.
**Government claims: fast and transparent service**
According to the Health Ministry, Ayushman Sarathi works on a secure API-based system and is directly connected to the PM-JAY platform. This provides real-time information to beneficiaries, increases the speed of service delivery and reduces the need for repeated visits to government offices. The Ministry believes that this will also improve grievance redressal and service monitoring.
**how to use it?**
Ayushman Sarathi is very easy to use. Beneficiaries can initiate the chatbot by sending “HI” to +91 72908 23838 or by scanning the QR code issued by the government. After this they will get the options of all available services directly on WhatsApp.
**Why is this initiative important?**
Ayushman Bharat is one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance schemes, covering crores of people. As such, the availability of services on a widely used platform like WhatsApp is expected to make the scheme easier, faster and more convenient than ever for the beneficiaries. People in rural areas, and especially those who have less experience in using digital services, will directly benefit.
