The launch of Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal on Monday sent hospitals in Kolkata scrambling to prepare for a smooth transition into the new scheme, even as uncertainty loomed over the future of the state's existing universal health coverage program, Swasthya Sathi. Launched by the Trinamool Congress government in 2016, Swasthya Sathi has been the cornerstone of healthcare access for millions in the state. However, with the introduction of the central government's flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), hospital administrators are now working to align their operations with the new framework.
Hospitals Initiate Empanelment Process
Several major hospitals have already begun the documentation and procedural formalities required to join the Ayushman Bharat panel. HCG Cancer Hospital in New Town has launched its empanelment process, with regional business head Rupali Basu stating that the hospital's Kolkata unit is working to complete the formalities shortly. HCG operates a network of 25 hospitals across 19 cities in India, most of which are already empanelled under Ayushman Bharat. Basu expressed eagerness to extend advanced cancer care to a larger patient base through the scheme.
CMRI Hospital, part of the CK Birla group, has also initiated the procedure. Unit head Sombrata Roy noted that the hospital expects to finish the process within a week, leveraging the experience of its sister concern, BM Birla Heart Hospital, which is already on the panel. Charnock Hospital is ready for empanelment as well, with managing director Prashant Sharma affirming the hospital's keenness to join Ayushman Bharat. Sharma, who also chairs the Indian Chamber of Commerce health committee, highlighted that most hospitals in Bengal currently lack empanelment and are awaiting instructions on the mechanism.
Transition Timeline and Uncertainty
Although no official notification was issued by Monday evening, hospital administrators anticipate that Swasthya Sathi will be phased out gradually over a period of six months to a year. This timeline would allow hospitals to empanel under Ayushman Bharat without disrupting patient care. Woodlands Hospital has already initiated the empanelment process, according to CEO Rupak Barua, who also serves as president of the Association of Hospitals of Eastern India. Barua noted that while senior citizens above 70 years are automatically eligible, other patients must meet specific criteria for admission under Ayushman Bharat. He emphasized the need for a clear notification and directives from the new government before full implementation.
Existing Empanelment and Patient Flow
Some hospitals, such as Ruby and Peerless, are already empanelled under Ayushman Bharat, though until now, only patients from neighboring states have availed of the scheme in Bengal. On Monday, Ruby received insurance payment approvals for Swasthya Sathi patients, while Peerless confirmed it continues to accept Swasthya Sathi patients. Desun Hospital also admits patients under Ayushman Bharat, particularly from Bihar and Jharkhand. Chairman and MD Sajal Dutta stressed the importance of a phased transition to ensure smooth processing of applications and to avoid inconvenience or denial of services to patients.
A private hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the phasing out of Swasthya Sathi could take up to a year. He pointed out that patients can only be admitted after they are registered under Ayushman Bharat, which previously did not cover Bengal. As a result, the transition may require time, and hospitals have yet to receive official notice to shift patients from Swasthya Sathi to Ayushman Bharat.
