What is Ayushman Bharat and , the It works in 2026.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest public health insurance program, launched by the Indian government to provide free hospital coverage of up to ₹5 lakh (approximately R$35.000) per family annually. By 2026, the program will have over 30.000 accredited hospitals nationwide, including an extensive network in West Bengal.
For residents of West Bengal, finding an Ayushman Bharat-accredited hospital is crucial for accessing treatment at no cost. The up-to-date list of hospitals is available on the official website pmjay.gov.in and the Ayushman Bharat app.
Who is entitled to Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal?
The program covers families considered economically vulnerable based on the 2011 Socioeconomic Register (SECC). In addition, West Bengal maintains the Swasthya Sathi , a complementary state program that extends coverage to informal workers and other groups not included in the federal PM-JAY. In many cases, the two coverages are combined.
List of Ayushman Bharat Hospitals in West Bengal 2026
West Bengal will have over 1.200 hospitals accredited by PM-JAY and Swasthya Sathi by 2026, distributed among public, private, and philanthropic hospitals. See the main centers by region:
Kolkata and Greater Kolkata
- SSKM Hospital (PG Hospital) — A leader in complex surgeries and oncology
- NRS Medical College & Hospital General care and emergencies
- RG Kar Medical College Cardiology and neurology
- Calcutta Medical College & Hospital One of the oldest and most complete.
- Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute Specialized in cancer treatment.
- ESI Hospital Salt Lake Formal workers in the private sector
Interior of West Bengal — Main Districts
- Howrah District Hospital Howrah metropolitan area
- Burdwan Medical College & Hospital — Burdwan and Purba Bardhaman
- Midnapore Medical College — Paschim Medinipur
- Malda Medical College & Hospital North Bengal
- North Bengal Medical College Darjeeling and the mountain region
- Murshidabad Medical College — Murshidabad
Private hospitals accredited in Kolkata
| Hospital | Area | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| AMRI Hospitals | Dhakuria, Salt Lake | Cardiology, Orthopedics |
| Peerless Hospital | South Kolkata | General, ICU |
| Institute of Neurosciences | Kolkata | Neurology |
| Belle Vue Clinic | Kolkata Central | Surgery, Oncology |
| Ruby General Hospital | Kasbah | General, Emergency |
How to check if a hospital is accredited in 2026
The list of hospitals is constantly updated. Before checking in, always confirm the hospital's current accreditation through the official channel.
- Access the portal: Contact pmjay.gov.in and click on “Find Hospital”.
- Select the state: Select “West Bengal” from the states menu.
- Filter by district and specialty: You can search by district, type of treatment, or hospital name.
- Call the helpline: The number 14555 (Free, 24-hour service) provides guidance on nearby hospitals and eligibility.
- Use the app: The app “Ayushman Bharat” (available in Hindi and Bengali) has a hospital locator with a map.
Treatments covered by Ayushman Bharat
The program covers more than 1.949 procedures across various specialties. The main categories are:
- Surgical hospitalization (cardiac, orthopedic, neurological, oncological surgeries)
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, oncological surgery)
- Kidney diseases (dialysis, kidney transplant)
- Eye surgeries (cataract, glaucoma)
- Maternity and neonatology (high-risk births, neonatal ICU)
- Orthopedics (hip and knee prostheses)
- Emergency Room and ICU
It does not cover: outpatient consultations (only hospitalization), medications for home use, diagnostic tests without hospitalization, and cosmetic procedures.
How to use the benefit at an accredited hospital
The admission process at Ayushman Bharat does not require upfront payment. Follow these steps:
- Arrive at the hospital with the Ayushman card (or Swasthya Sathi) and an identity document (Aadhaar).
- Look for the Ayushman Mitra — hospital employee designated to assist program beneficiaries.
- Inform them that you wish to use PM-JAY; Ayushman Mitra will verify eligibility via the online system.
- After verification, the hospitalization is authorized and all covered costs are debited directly from the government.
- Upon discharge, sign the service receipt; no fee will be charged to the patient.
FAQ
How do I download the Ayushman Bharat card in West Bengal?
Go to pmjay.gov.in , click on “Am I Eligible”, enter your mobile phone number and verify with the OTP. If eligible, you can download the e-card digitally or request the physical card at the nearest Ayushman Mitra hospital or care center.
Are Swasthya Sathi and Ayushman Bharat different programs?
Yes. Swasthya Sathi is the state program for West Bengal and covers a wider range of the population, including groups not covered by the federal PM-JAY. Many West Bengal residents are eligible for both, which increases the total value of available coverage.
Can I use any private hospital in Kolkata through Ayushman Bharat?
No. Only hospitals accredited by PM-JAY or Swasthya Sathi participate in the program. Using a non-accredited hospital means paying out of pocket. Always confirm accreditation on the pmjay.gov.in website or by calling 14555 before going to the hospital.
Does the benefit of Ayushman Bharat renew itself every year?
Yes. The 5 lakh limit is renewed each fiscal year (April to March). If the household does not use the full amount in one year, the balance is not carried over to the following year. In 2026, the limit remains at 5 lakh for most categories.
What to do if the hospital denies treatment under Ayushman Bharat?
Register a complaint directly through the helpline 14555 or through the complaints platform on the pmjay.gov.in portal . In West Bengal, the Swasthya Sathi portal also has an ombudsman channel. Accredited hospitals have a legal obligation to treat eligible beneficiaries—undue refusal may result in disaccreditation.
Can I have a routine check-up or consultation at Ayushman Bharat?
No. The PM-JAY plan covers only hospital stays (minimum one night) and procedures performed during hospitalization. For outpatient consultations and preventive exams, the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir program (primary health centers) offers free care separately.
