Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Swasthya Sathi, West Bengal state health insurance scheme |
|---|---|
| Department | Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal |
| Benefit | Cashless health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh a year per family, as reported for the earlier scheme |
| Who can apply | Existing Swasthya Sathi beneficiaries are being moved to Ayushman Bharat; new eligibility depends on the state's final rules |
| How it is paid | Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals |
| Apply at | swasthyasathi.gov.in, or the health department and empanelled hospitals |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Swasthya Sathi is being merged into Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal.
- Enrolment has begun, and health cards are expected from July.
- Officials are still working out the final eligibility structure.
- Check the official site before paying anyone for help.
What was Swasthya Sathi, and why is it changing?
Swasthya Sathi was the health insurance scheme started by the previous West Bengal government. It gave cashless treatment at government and private hospitals.
West Bengal had stayed out of the central Ayushman Bharat scheme for years. Now the state has announced that it will join it.
The state says existing Swasthya Sathi beneficiaries will be brought under Ayushman Bharat. This is expected to cover about 1.45 crore people.
What do you get under the new arrangement?
Ayushman Bharat gives free health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family every year. It is used for secondary and tertiary hospital treatment.
Treatment is free at registered hospitals, including government and private hospitals. Senior citizens aged 70 and above also get cover under central rules.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Amounts and rules can change. Please confirm the current details on the official site.
Who will be covered, and is anything still unclear?
Existing Swasthya Sathi beneficiaries are expected to move into Ayushman Bharat. Enrolment has already started.
Officials are still working on the final structure. Some families who were covered earlier may not meet Ayushman Bharat's original rules, and the state may create separate categories for them.
Because of this, the exact eligibility for each family is not yet fully settled. Watch the official site for updates.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card ready, as biometric verification is needed for enrolment.
Keep your ration card or any family ID you already use, and your mobile number.
If you have an ABHA ID, keep it handy, since it is used at hospital admission and discharge.
How do you check your status or apply?
Visit swasthyasathi.gov.in and look for the option to check your card or beneficiary status.
You can also ask at your nearest empanelled hospital or the health department office.
Do not pay agents or middlemen for registration. Official enrolment is free.
What if your card or treatment is not working?
If your card is not showing up, first check your details on the official site.
Hospitals registered under the scheme should give cashless treatment to eligible patients.
For problems, contact the health department or the helpline listed on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
Is Swasthya Sathi still running?
The state has announced that existing beneficiaries will move into Ayushman Bharat. Check the official site for the latest status.
Is the scheme free?
Yes, enrolment is free. Do not pay anyone for registration.
Can I use the card outside West Bengal?
Ayushman Bharat is designed for use across India at registered hospitals. Confirm the details on the official site.
What should I do if I am not sure I am covered?
Check your status on swasthyasathi.gov.in or ask the health department directly.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
