Kolkata: Hospitals in the city are bracing for a potential increase in patient inflow from neighbouring states following directives from Swasthya Bhavan to join the Ayushman Bharat panel. The move is seen as a strategy to offset a significant decline in Bangladeshi patients since the 2024 political uprising.
Decline in Bangladeshi Patients
Ruby General Hospital reported receiving only 152 Bangladeshi patients last month, a sharp drop from the average of 300 per month seen until two years ago. Most of these were outpatient department (OPD) cases. Subhashis Datta, Chief Operations Manager at Ruby General, explained, "We currently treat about 150 Ayushman Bharat patients monthly. With the scheme now operational in Bengal, we anticipate more patients from states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, where many residents hold Ayushman cards. Importantly, all Ayushman patients are admitted, and the reimbursement rates are marginally higher than those under Swasthya Sathi. Although we have been on the Ayushman panel for years, the recent expansion should increase patient numbers from the region, helping compensate for the loss of Bangladesh patients."
Other Hospitals Report Similar Trends
At Charnock Hospital, Managing Director Prashant Sharma noted that while a few Bangladesh patients still arrive, the numbers are significantly lower. "I believe it will take a long time for that flow to revive. In this context, the launch of a national scheme like Ayushman Bharat will help boost patient volumes across Kolkata hospitals," Sharma said.
Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director (East) at Manipal Hospitals, highlighted that Kolkata's position as a healthcare hub for eastern and northeastern India is strengthening. "Patients from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, and the Northeast have long travelled to Kolkata for advanced tertiary and quaternary care. At Manipal Hospitals, we have treated nearly 20,000 patients from these regions over the past 18 months. With Bengal's inclusion in the PM-JAY framework, the portability of benefits and cashless treatment options will further improve access to quality healthcare," Debgupta stated.
Impact on RN Tagore Hospital and Others
At RN Tagore Hospital (RTIICS), the number of Bangladeshi patients dropped by 75% between 2024 and 2025. R Venkatesh, COO of Narayana Hospitals, commented, "Ayushman Bharat in Bengal can strengthen Kolkata's role as a key healthcare hub for eastern and northeastern India by improving affordability and access for needy patients from neighbouring states. Although the reduced inflow from Bangladesh initially had some impact, we have already compensated through strong growth in domestic patients."
Sajal Dutta, Chairman and MD of Desun Hospital, emphasized the potential of Ayushman Bharat. "We already receive a steady stream of patients from Bihar and Jharkhand under Ayushman Bharat. Once operational integration becomes smoother in Bengal, we expect greater patient movement across eastern India. While the decline in Bangladesh patients has affected hospitals in the region, domestic schemes can help broaden the patient base and partially offset that gap over time."
The implementation of Ayushman Bharat in Bengal marks a significant step toward enhancing Kolkata's status as a premier healthcare destination for eastern and northeastern India, with hospitals optimistic about the scheme's ability to attract patients from neighbouring states and mitigate the loss of international patients.
