স্বাস্থ্য সাথী কার্ড কি এখনও চলবে? Crores of West Bengal families have a Swasthya Sathi card. Now that the BJP is in power and Ayushman Bharat has been approved for West Bengal, everyone is asking, ” Is my Swasthya Sathi card still valid? Do I need a new Ayushman card? Which gives better coverage? This article answers all of it.
Transition Period — May 2026
Ayushman Bharat approved for WB on 11 May 2026 | Swasthya Sathi status in transition | Both may coexist temporarily | Official merger timeline not yet announced
Swasthya Sathi vs Ayushman Bharat
| Feature | Swasthya Sathi | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
|---|---|---|
| Launched By | TMC Government — 2016 | Central Government — 2018 |
| Annual Cover | ₹5 lakh per family | ₹5 lakh per family |
| Eligibility | All WB families with ration card | SECC 2011 data + all citizens 70+ |
| Hospitals in WB | WB empanelled hospitals | 36,000+ hospitals across India |
| Portability | Only West Bengal hospitals | Any empanelled hospital in India |
| OPD Coverage | Not covered | Not covered |
| Pre-existing diseases | Covered | Covered |
| Card Type | Physical Swasthya Sathi Card | Ayushman Card — digital + physical |
| Status 2026 | In transition | Now available in WB |
The Biggest Difference — Portability
🏥
Swasthya Sathi
Works only at empanelled hospitals within West Bengal. If you travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or any other state for treatment — your Swasthya Sathi card does not work. শুধু পশ্চিমবঙ্গের মধ্যে।
🌍
Ayushman Bharat
Works at 36,000+ empanelled hospitals across all of India. Travel to any state — Delhi AIIMS, Mumbai hospitals, Chennai — and get cashless treatment. সারা ভারতে ব্যবহার করা যাবে।
Is Swasthya Sathi Still Valid in 2026?
⚠️ Current Status — Transition Period
As of May 2026, Swasthya Sathi cards are still being used at empanelled hospitals in West Bengal. The BJP government has approved Ayushman Bharat but has not officially announced the discontinuation of Swasthya Sathi.
The two schemes are expected to coexist during a transition period before a formal merger or replacement is announced. The government has not yet confirmed whether Swasthya Sathi will be discontinued or run alongside Ayushman Bharat.
Our recommendation — apply for Ayushman Bharat now. It gives you pan-India coverage that Swasthya Sathi cannot. Keep your Swasthya Sathi card until officially told otherwise.
Who Is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal?
ℹ️ Two Routes to Eligibility
Route 1 — SECC 2011 Data
Families identified as economically vulnerable in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census. SC/ST households, landless labourers, female-headed households. Check at pmjay.gov.in.
Route 2 — Age 70+
All citizens aged 70 and above are automatically eligible — regardless of income or SECC status. Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for senior citizens. বয়স ৭০+ হলে সরাসরি যোগ্য।
How to Get an Ayushman Card in West Bengal
What About the Swasthya Sathi Card Balance?
স্বাস্থ্য সাথী কার্ডের ব্যালেন্স চেক করুন — Many families want to know if their existing Swasthya Sathi balance is still usable. You can check your Swasthya Sathi card balance and transaction history at the official portal or by calling the helpline. Since the scheme is in transition, existing balances and coverage should remain valid until officially discontinued. Use the card at WB empanelled hospitals as normal — until the government announces otherwise.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep my Swasthya Sathi card right now?
Yes. Until the government officially announces any merger or discontinuation, beneficiaries should keep and continue using their Swasthya Sathi card at empanelled hospitals in West Bengal.
Can I have both Swasthya Sathi and Ayushman Bharat together?
At present, both schemes are expected to operate during a transition period. Official guidelines regarding full integration or replacement are still awaited.
Is applying for Ayushman Bharat free?
Yes. Ayushman Bharat registration and card generation are completely free through the official portal, CSC centres, or empanelled hospitals.
স্বাস্থ্য সাথী কার্ড বন্ধ হয়ে গেছে কি?
না। মে ২০২৬ পর্যন্ত স্বাস্থ্য সাথী কার্ড এখনও চালু রয়েছে। সরকার এখনও এটি বন্ধ করার কোনো অফিসিয়াল ঘোষণা করেনি।
What documents are usually needed for Ayushman Bharat registration?
Applicants generally need Aadhaar card, mobile number, and ration card or family identification documents for verification and e-KYC.
Can treatment continue at existing West Bengal hospitals?
Yes. Swasthya Sathi empanelled hospitals in West Bengal are still accepting valid beneficiaries during the current transition phase.
🏥 Apply for Ayushman Card Now — It’s Free
Check eligibility at pmjay.gov.in | Helpline: 📞 14555 (Toll Free)
Keep your Swasthya Sathi card until official discontinuation is announced.