In a significant move to enhance accessibility, beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) in Bihar can now avail information and benefits through WhatsApp. This new facility aims to streamline access to the scheme for common people and provide prompt assistance.

According to the Health Department, beneficiaries can now send a message to a dedicated WhatsApp number to check their eligibility, find information about nearby empanelled hospitals, and get other essential details related to the scheme. This initiative will particularly benefit those who are not comfortable with internet usage or do not possess smartphones, as WhatsApp is a widely used platform across the state.

This new feature is expected to simplify the process of obtaining Ayushman cards, reducing the need for beneficiaries to visit offices or stand in long queues. They will be able to get information from the comfort of their homes via WhatsApp and avail the scheme's benefits by following the necessary guidelines. This step is seen as a crucial initiative towards promoting the Digital India campaign and making healthcare services more inclusive.

Officials stated that the facility would be implemented in a phased manner and would soon be available across the entire state. The information provided via WhatsApp will be entirely secure and confidential, ensuring the protection of beneficiaries' personal data. This scheme provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh to millions of families in Bihar, and the WhatsApp facility is expected to help more people benefit from this vital health protection cover.