Ayushman Bharat Scheme Context: West Bengal has officially become a part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), making it the final state in the country to be covered under the flagship health insurance scheme. About Ayushman Bharat Scheme Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world's largest public healthcare scheme. It was launched on 23 September 2018 to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Coverage under AB-PMJAY Provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. Offers cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals. Pillars of Ayushman Bharat AB-PMJAY Provides financial protection against high medical expenses. Ensures affordable secondary and tertiary healthcare. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) Deliver accessible primary healthcare close to people's homes. Provide services for NCDs, mental health, palliative care, diagnostics and free medicines. Features Upgraded infrastructure. Additional healthcare personnel. Essential drugs and diagnostics. Teleconsultation facilities. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Creates a digital health ecosystem through ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). Enables seamless sharing of health records across healthcare facilities. PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) Launched on 25 October 2021. Strengthens health infrastructure, disease surveillance and research systems. Objectives Bridge critical gaps in healthcare facilities. Improve preparedness for future pandemics and health emergencies. Importance of Ayushman Bharat Promotes affordable and quality healthcare for all. Strengthens primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. Enhances digital health infrastructure. Improves healthcare accessibility in rural and remote areas. Builds resilient health infrastructure for future emergencies.
