By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Migrants returning to Bihar for Diwali and Chhath can now apply for their Ayushman cards at Patna Junction. The Bihar Health Department opened a dedicated counter on Saturday, inaugurated by Health Minister Mangal Pandey, which will operate daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Several Ayushman cards were issued and distributed to migrant Biharis arriving in Patna from other cities on the first day of the initiative.
“During Diwali and Chhath, many people living outside Bihar return home, so we decided to open Ayushman card counters at railway stations and bus stands during this time,” said the minister. “Besides Patna Junction, counters have also been established at Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Pataliputra, Danapur stations, and Bairia bus stand.”
The Health Minister explained that this campaign aims to ensure that Biharis living outside the state can access medical treatment without difficulty. Under the Ayushman scheme, healthcare services are available in over 29,000 hospitals across India. Pandey emphasised that the department is conducting special campaigns to increase Ayushman card registration, aiming for Bihar to reach second place nationally in issuing Ayushman cards by year-end, surpassing Madhya Pradesh.
To further promote the scheme, the Health Department will run an awareness campaign across all districts in Bihar from 4 to 8 November. The Ayushman card registration service at various railway stations in Bihar will also continue until 8 November.
