Swasthya Sathi Scheme to Be Integrated with Ayushman Bharat: Minister

MP, May 15, 2026, Kolkata :Women and Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, one of the key figures in the Suvendu Adhikari government, on Thursday said that the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme of the previous Trinamool Congress government will gradually be merged with the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

“Swasthya Sathi scheme will continue now. The Ayushman Bharat scheme will be gradually integrated in this state from June 1. The reason for this is that there are various rules and laws, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be implemented in this state after considering all aspects. If something is done in a hurry, those who are beneficiaries of this scheme may face problems,” Paul told reporters.

She said the Swasthya Sathi scheme should continue as it is currently running, and added that the central health scheme will be implemented in the state in a phased manner from June 1, 2026.

She further said that careful planning is required to ensure beneficiaries do not face disruption during the transition.

The announcement comes amid earlier commitments from the BJP leadership to implement the central government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal after coming to power.

After holding his first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had stated that his government had cleared the Ayushman Bharat scheme for implementation in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also welcomed the development, saying that the “double-engine government” would ensure benefits of central schemes reach people without hurdles.