In 2018, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana to provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for poor and needy families. Under this scheme, eligible families can get free medical care up to ₹5 lakh. The scheme is active in most Indian states. However, there are still some states and union territories where the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Yojana has not been implemented.
This means people in those states do not receive the benefit of free treatment up to ₹5 lakh. Currently, West Bengal and Delhi are the states and union territories where the Central Government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme is not active. Naturally, this raises the question: if Ayushman Bharat is not implemented in these states, how do citizens here access free medical treatment? Here’s the answer to that.
Free Treatment Benefits for Citizens in Delhi
The Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Yojana is not applicable in the Union Territory of Delhi. This means no citizen residing in Delhi can access the free treatment benefit of up to ₹5 lakh under this scheme. However, residents of Delhi still receive health benefits through alternative state programs.
Delhi Arogya Nidhi: Poor families in Delhi, with an annual income of ₹1 lakh or less, receive financial assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh through the Delhi Arogya Nidhi scheme.
Delhi Arogya Kosh: The government provides up to ₹5 lakh assistance for treatment in government hospitals under Delhi Arogya Kosh. To qualify, families must have an annual income not exceeding ₹3 lakh.
Free Treatment Benefits in West Bengal
Similar to Delhi, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana is not implemented in West Bengal. Instead, the state government offers health coverage through their program.
Swasthya Sathi Scheme: In West Bengal, the Swasthya Sathi scheme ensures that beneficiaries receive cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh. The West Bengal government issues smart cards, allowing beneficiaries to make payments directly to hospitals after receiving treatment.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Online
- Visit the Official Website: Go to pmjay.gov.in.
- Check Eligibility: Click on “Am I Eligible” and enter your mobile number with OTP verification.
- Search for Your Name: Use your Aadhaar number, ration card, or mobile number to find your details.
- Submit Details: Complete the application form with the required documents (Aadhaar, income proof, address proof).
- Receive Health Card: If eligible, download the Ayushman Bharat Health Card for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year.