Chirag Gupta
Patna: A special Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana (MM-JAY) awareness stall was inaugurated by Health Minister Mangal Pandey at Patna Junction, aimed at assisting eligible beneficiaries with Ayushman card services during the Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations. The stall, organized by the Bihar Health Security Committee, will operate from October 26 to November 8, 2024, to help the public understand the scheme’s benefits and facilitate Ayushman card creation.
During the event, Shashank Shekhar Sinha, Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar Health Security Committee, highlighted various activities related to Ayushman card distribution, noting the stall’s role in reaching eligible travelers at Patna Junction. Pandey emphasized that this initiative aligns with directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to promote AB-PMJAY and MM-JAY benefits among the general public, especially those returning to Bihar for the Chhath festival. Awareness stalls are also being set up at major stations and bus stands, including Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Pataliputra Railway Station, and Danapur, with additional stalls at key Chhath Ghats and panchayats from November 4 to 8.
Ayushman cards have been issued to around 1.5 crore families and 3.57 crore individuals in Bihar. Currently, 1021 hospitals—586 government and 435 private—are listed under the scheme in the state, with around 13.95 lakh patients treated, totaling Rs 1730 crore in medical expenses. Pandey stated that efforts are underway to expand the network of listed hospitals to ensure greater access to treatment for beneficiaries.
As of 2024, 2.7 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, with a goal of reaching 1.79 crore families across the state. More than 29,000 hospitals nationwide now accept the Ayushman card for free treatment. Also present at the event were CEO Shashank Shekhar Sinha, Private Secretary to the Health Minister Amitabh Singh, Administrative Officer Alok Kumar Singh, Finance Controller Alok Ranjan, Director of Operations Ritesh Kumar Mishra, and other members and advisors from the Bihar Health Security Committee.
