‘Ayushman cards cross 3.23-cr mark'

Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Monday claimed a 'major milestone' in healthcare, with over 3.23 crore beneficiaries now holding active Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cards. CM Suvendu Adhikari said the scheme provides financial protection of up to Rs 5 lakh and has so far facilitated 31,541 hospital admissions, ensuring cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. He said 716 patients from Bengal, including migrant workers and those requiring specialised care, have also availed of cashless treatment at hospitals outside the state under the scheme's nationwide portability. Adhikari said the initiative was helping expand affordable healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.