Kolkata: For hundreds of beneficiaries who had travelled from different corners of the state to witness the ‘historic’ launch of Ayushman Bharat in Bengal on Sunday, the health insurance card injected hope into their lives. They counted themselves as the ‘lucky’ ones at the Netaji Indoor Stadium to have the cover against adversities.These beneficiaries came from as far as East Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas to get their Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards.“I am lucky that I got my AB card while my son and husband are yet to get theirs. I am aware that this will ensure coverage of Rs 5 lakh and that we can access treatment at any empanelled hospital across India,” said Mousumi Swain Ghosh, a homemaker from Bowbazar.Around 3.4 crore individuals in Bengal have been verified to get the AB-PMJAY benefits. “I am hopeful that Ayusham Bharat scheme will rescue my family at the time there is any health crisis,” said Badal Mondal from Utta Bajia in East Midnapore who works in paddy fields. Senior citizens, like 75-year-old Jhunu Saha from Baghajatin, also hailed the initiative.But not all beneficiaries got their cards from the CM. Despite being disappointed over this, students, like Adarsh Ray from Bansdroni, celebrated the launch of the card.
