Union Health Minister Urges West Bengal Govt to Implement AB-PMJAY for Enhanced Healthcare

Mandaviya thoroughly assessed several ongoing healthcare initiatives in the state, including the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, the National TB Elimination Programme, NHM funds allocation status, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme.

In a recent development, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called upon the West Bengal government to implement the central medical insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), at the grassroots level to ensure widespread benefits for the state's citizens.

During his visit to West Bengal, Mandaviya emphasised the commitment of the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide high-quality healthcare services to all residents of the state.

Mandaviya conducted a comprehensive review of various healthcare programs currently operational in the state.

Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, the National TB Elimination Programme were the programs scrutinised by him. Besides, the Minister reviewed the status of funds allocated under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), telemedicine services, medical education, and the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme.

Talking about the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, Mandaviya lauded the initiative for its potential to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare services conveniently accessible to the population.

Under this initiative, the establishment of 800 sub-centres at a total cost of INR 288.72 Cr in West Bengal was approved. Additionally, two urban community health centres were sanctioned at a cost of INR 10 Cr, along with 37 new urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at the cost of INR 27.75 Cr.

Furthermore, Mandaviya revealed that 404 Ayushman Bharat Urban Health and Wellness Centres had received approval. He expressed a strong commitment to eliminating tuberculosis from the state by 2025 and assured the effective utilisation of funds allocated under the National Health Mission.

In accordance with the 15th Finance Commission, 223 block public health units were greenlit with an investment of INR 180.12 Cr. Moreover, 719 sub-centres received the nod for development, with an allocation of INR 290 Cr for the state.

Mandaviya highlighted West Bengal's remarkable progress, indicating that 10,358 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres are now operational, recording an impressive footfall of 16,82,87,430. Additionally, the state conducted 2,08,42,397 tele-consultations.

Commenting on the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), Mandaviya stressed its significance in providing superior healthcare services to the people of West Bengal. He emphasised the government's efforts to ensure that telemedicine services were accessible to all residents.

Delving into the review of medical education and the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme, Mandaviya expressed unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality medical education to the citizens of West Bengal. He underscored the government's dedication to the success of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme.

The visit of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to West Bengal has ignited discussions about the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) at the grassroots level.  

With a firm focus on enhanced healthcare delivery, the central government's commitment to ensuring quality healthcare services for every citizen remains at the forefront of these efforts.