The BJP-led Tripura government on Thursday brought all 9.75 lakh households in the state under universal healthcare coverage guaranteeing an annual cashless insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to each family with the launch of the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY).

Launching the “landmark” scheme in Agartala, chief minister Manik Saha said: “People who have not been covered under Ayushman Bharat (a central government scheme) or any other government insurance scheme will benefit from the CM-JAY.”

Of the 9.75 lakh families in the state, 5.12 lakh were covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jana Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The CM-JAY will now cover the remaining 4.63 lakh households thereby ensuring smooth health care for all, an official said.

With the launch of the scheme, Tripura has become one of the few states in the country to go for universal health coverage.

“Healthcare is now accessible and affordable to all. CM-JAY is a landmark step towards ensuring the health guarantee for everyone, enabling beneficiaries to receive medical benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh a year," Saha said.

Tripura has a population of over 40 lakh.

During the launch function, the chief minister handed over CM-JAY 2023 Ayushman cards to 30 beneficiaries who can seek treatment from both government and private hospitals within and outside the state. Additionally, free medicines will be provided for up to 15 days after discharge from the hospital.

Acknowledging the difficulties people face during medical emergencies, Saha said at the launch function, "People from different areas come to meet me for health-related issues. And from our end also we do help. But we were facing challenges in reaching 100% saturation level, and that prompted us to take further action. In line with PM-JAY, we initiated the CM-JAY to cover everyone.”

Saha, who is a doctor and holds the health portfolio, said the primary goal of his government is to provide comprehensive medical facilities and free insurance coverage to the people. The beneficiaries can seek treatment from both government and private hospitals within and outside the state.

"In line with the PM's directives, we have also implemented similar provisions here. State government employees surrendering existing medical allowances and medical reimbursement will be included in the CM-JAY-2023 scheme. Today marks a historic day as we strive to enhance the health system in Tripura. Our government is committed to providing better and quality healthcare to all," Saha said.

The scheme has been launched in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.