Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Tuesday informed that since the launch of the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana 2023 (CMJAY 2023) scheme, a total of 4,48,709 beneficiaries have availed Ayushman Cards under CMJAY, and more than 12,000 people among them have already received free medical services at various hospitals.

Dr Saha said this while addressing the National Voluntary Blood Donor Day and the State-Level Programme celebrating 6 years of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana at Pragna Bhawan on Tuesday.

Dr Saha, who is also the health minister of the state, stated that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) was launched on September 23, 2018, to protect a large number of economically weak and vulnerable populations from catastrophic health expenditures, which push millions of people below the poverty line every year.

“Recently, the scheme has completed 6 successful years. Under the scheme, so far, a total of 3,43,985 beneficiaries have received free treatment at various hospitals within and outside the state, and a total claim amounting to Rs. 195.51 Crore has been settled. In India, ABPMJAY ensures health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. More than 15,35,364 beneficiaries in the state already possess Ayushman Cards," he said.

He further informed that on February 15, 2024, the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana 2023 (CMJAY 2023) was launched to extend health insurance coverage to the rest of the state's population.

In this short period, a total of 4,48,709 beneficiaries have availed Ayushman Cards under CMJAY.

“So far, more than 12,000 patients have received free medical services at various hospitals. Claims amounting to over Rs. 2.20 Crore have been settled under CMJAY 2023. Every eligible beneficiary under these schemes is entitled to free medical services up to Rs. 5 lakh annually,” Dr. Saha stated.

He emphasized that he tries to attend blood donation camps to encourage donors.

“People come forward to donate blood, which is a proud moment. Our blood banks need to maintain a supply of at least 1% of the population's blood. It is important to balance the demand and supply of blood. Many people come with enthusiasm to donate blood, including women. There are many health benefits to donating blood. Donating blood is a social responsibility,” Dr Saha added.

The Chief Minister also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working tirelessly for the welfare and development of the people.

“PM Modi is working for the poor. He understands poverty, which is why he launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Ayushman Bharat. Now, poor people can receive proper treatment without worrying about financial issues, and they can use their money for their families, education, and other needs,” he added.

The event was attended by Secretary of the Health Department Kiran Gitte, Director of Medical Education Dr. HP Sharma, Additional Secretary Rajib Dutta, MD of the National Health Mission (NHM), Samit Roy Chowdhury, DIG of State Police Ipper Monchak, and other eminent personalities.