The National Health Authority (NHA), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, convened a two-day National Review Meeting in Kolkata on 5–6 November 2026 to review the progress of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and to deliberate on priorities and strategies for strengthening their implementation in the coming phase.
Clinical Overview & Public Health Directives
The meeting brought together senior officials from States and Union Territories to review the implementation and progress of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and to deliberate on priorities and strategies for strengthening these flagship initiatives in the coming years.
Detailing the operational roadmap, the meeting provided a platform for the Centre and States to assess programme performance, share implementation experiences and identify measures to improve the reach, efficiency and impact of the two initiatives. The deliberations focused on expanding beneficiary coverage, strengthening healthcare delivery, ensuring financial protection and accelerating digital health adoption. Particular emphasis was placed on leveraging technology, data analytics, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, accountability and health outcomes.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Authority, highlighted the progress made by West Bengal following its integration with the national AB PM-JAY platform, with over four crore Ayushman Cards generated within a short span. He emphasised that the next phase of implementation must focus on translating the achievements in coverage into improved access to quality healthcare and better health outcomes for beneficiaries.
Key Health Indicators & Research Benchmarks
Comprehensive program documentation and official disclosures outline key operational figures and quantitative benchmarks:
- Key Indicator: Established target milestone of 4.2 crore under the active deployment framework.
- Key Indicator: Established target milestone of 2.2 lakh under the active deployment framework.
Medical Commentary & Expert Perspectives
“Every rupee spent on healthcare must lead to better care for our people. Technology, data and artificial intelligence can strengthen implementation, improve efficiency and support more informed decision-making. As we move forward, our focus must increasingly shift from financing treatment towards achieving better health outcomes for beneficiaries,” — Official Spokesperson
“Healthcare should never push a family into poverty. AB PM-JAY is a game changer in ensuring healthcare security for every eligible family. At the same time, strengthening primary healthcare is essential to reducing the burden on hospitals and improving health outcomes. West Bengal is committed to making the implementation of the scheme robust, comprehensive and people-centric,” — Official Spokesperson
Healthcare Protocol & Implementation Context
“Every rupee spent on healthcare must lead to better care for our people. Technology, data and artificial intelligence can strengthen implementation, improve efficiency and support more informed decision-making. As we move forward, our focus must increasingly shift from financing treatment towards achieving better health outcomes for beneficiaries,” he said.
In terms of implementation context, speaking at the Occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar Aggarwal, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, emphasised the importance of strengthening primary healthcare alongside financial protection under AB PM-JAY. He observed that while the scheme provides financial security to eligible families at the hospitalisation stage, a strong primary healthcare system is essential for preventive care, early detection of diseases and reducing the burden on hospitals.
“Healthcare should never push a family into poverty. AB PM-JAY is a game changer in ensuring healthcare security for every eligible family. At the same time, strengthening primary healthcare is essential to reducing the burden on hospitals and improving health outcomes. West Bengal is committed to making the implementation of the scheme robust, comprehensive and people-centric,” he said.
Public Health Horizon & Next Phases
Public health oversight bodies and clinical teams will continue monitoring initial rollout data and patient outcomes to ensure safety compliance and broad accessibility.
