Agartala, December 31, 2024: Tripura’s Agriculture and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday hailed the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) as a groundbreaking initiative in global healthcare. Speaking about the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Nath described it as “the largest health insurance scheme in the world,” crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its visionary implementation.
“The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a rare example in the health sector globally. Under this initiative, medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh are covered for beneficiaries,” Nath stated. He further highlighted Tripura’s remarkable achievements in the scheme’s implementation, revealing that the state has distributed Ayushman cards to 100% of its eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme, launched nationwide in September 2018, has been a significant success in Tripura. Nath shared that 15.41 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards have been distributed in the state, benefiting 3.67 lakh individuals who have received treatment for various ailments. The state has disbursed Rs 197 crore to empaneled hospitals for these services. “Tripura stands as a model state, with 136 hospitals empaneled under the scheme locally, contributing to the total of nearly 30,000 hospitals across the country,” Nath added.
Acknowledging the gaps in coverage, the Tripura government launched the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY) in 2023 to extend free healthcare to those not covered under PMJAY. Nath shared that since February 2024, 4.77 lakh beneficiaries have been issued CMJAY cards, with 18,500 patients availing treatment. The state has allocated Rs 5.5 crore for this scheme so far.
Nath also emphasized the state’s commitment to healthcare, listing four additional schemes benefiting various sections of society: Pradhan Mantri Jana Mana Scheme, focused on tribal communities with funds from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Health Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces, supported by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Central Health Scheme for Motor Workers, targeting a specialized workforce.
“Under these schemes, all eligible beneficiaries in Tripura have received their cards, a testament to the government’s dedication to healthcare access,” Nath said.
Concluding his address, Nath highlighted the government’s holistic development approach. “Our government prioritizes health, education, agriculture, water, food, and housing. We are working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and the overall development of the state,” he asserted, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for enabling such transformative initiatives.
The Ayushman Bharat and CMJAY schemes exemplify the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable healthcare for all, setting a benchmark for other states and countries to follow.
