Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte announced that nearly the entire population is now covered under PMJAY and CMJAY schemes, ensuring cashless and affordable healthcare. The ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ app was promoted to raise medicine price awareness.
In a major milestone for Tripura’s healthcare system, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte on Saturday announced that almost the entire population of the state has been covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY). The achievement marks a significant step toward universal health coverage, enabling thousands of citizens to access cashless, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at a one-day workshop organized by the Tripura State Pharmaceutical Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (TPMRU) at Pragya Bhavan, Gitte said that the combined implementation of PMJAY and CMJAY has transformed healthcare delivery in the state.
“Patients are availing healthcare benefits under both the Central and state schemes in hospitals and health centres across Tripura. The cashless service has helped many patients save out-of-pocket expenditure for medical purposes,” Gitte said.
Healthcare Access Strengthened Across Tripura
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), a flagship Central government initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Mission, provides cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Complementing this, the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY) extends similar benefits at the state level, ensuring that no family is left behind.
Tripura has made rapid strides in expanding healthcare access through these schemes. With both PMJAY and CMJAY functioning together, even rural and economically weaker sections are now assured of cashless medical services in both public and empanelled private hospitals. The move has also reduced the financial burden on low-income families, allowing them to seek timely treatment without worrying about hospital bills.
Emphasis on ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ App for Price Awareness
In his address, Gitte also highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about the ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ mobile application, developed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
“By using this app, people can easily access accurate information on the prices of various medicines and avoid overcharging,” Gitte said, urging citizens to make use of the digital tool to protect their consumer rights.
The app allows users to check real-time prices of essential medicines, compare prices, and ensure that they are not being charged beyond the prescribed ceiling rates set by the NPPA. Officials emphasized that increased use of this application would bring greater transparency in the pharmaceutical sector and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Workshop on Affordable Medicines for All
The workshop, themed ‘Affordable Medicines for All: Role of Pharma Sahi Daam and Price Monitoring,’ brought together a wide range of stakeholders from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Among the distinguished speakers were Professor Dr. Tapan Majumder, Director of Health and Family Welfare, and Kumar Aman Bharti, Director of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). Both speakers underscored the importance of affordability, accessibility, and accountability in the healthcare system.
The event began with a welcome address by K. Sinha, Member Secretary of TPMRU and Deputy Drugs Controller. The audience included students from pharmacy colleges, NGO representatives, members of chemist associations, and health professionals from across Tripura.
Tripura’s Path Toward Affordable and Universal Healthcare
With the integration of PMJAY and CMJAY, Tripura has emerged as one of the few states where almost every household is covered by some form of public health insurance. The health department’s focus on digital tools like Pharma Sahi Daam, along with strict price monitoring, reflects a broader push toward affordable medicine access and patient welfare.
Officials noted that the success of these initiatives is a result of strong coordination between the state government, the NPPA, and local healthcare institutions. The schemes have not only expanded healthcare coverage but also contributed to improving public trust in government health services.
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As the state continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and awareness initiatives, Tripura’s model could soon become a benchmark for universal healthcare implementation in smaller states across India.
