The West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) is a state government health scheme that gives cashless medical treatment up to ₹1,50,000 (₹1.5 lakh) per treatment at empanelled hospitals. It is mainly for state government employees, pensioners, and their families (All India Service officers in West Bengal get up to ₹2 lakh). You can check the hospital list and apply online at the official portal healthscheme.wb.gov.in. For help, call the WBHS contact numbers (033) 2254-4123 / (033) 2254-4034. Fresh enrolment is open till 31 July 2026.
West Bengal Health Scheme 2026: Overview
| Point | Detail |
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) |
| Launched | 2008 (revamped in 2014) |
| Run By | Medical Cell, Finance Department, WB |
| Cashless Limit | ₹1.5 lakh per treatment (₹2 lakh for AIS officers) |
| Mainly For | Govt employees, pensioners & their families |
| Treatment Type | Cashless indoor + OPD reimbursement |
| Official Portal | healthscheme.wb.gov.in |
| Helpline | (033) 2254-4123 / (033) 2254-4034 |
| Fresh Enrolment | Open till 31 July 2026 |
| Payment Mode | Direct settlement with hospital (cashless) |
What is West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS)?
The West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) is a government health scheme for state government employees and pensioners in West Bengal. It was started in 2008 and later improved to provide better and easier access to medical treatment.
The main purpose of the scheme is to help beneficiaries avoid high medical expenses during illness, hospitalization, or surgery. Under WBHS, eligible members can receive cashless treatment at approved hospitals, which means they do not have to pay large amounts of money upfront. The hospital bill is settled according to the scheme rules, giving financial relief during medical emergencies.
It is important to note that WBHS is not meant for the general public. The scheme mainly covers state government employees, pensioners, family pensioners, All India Service (AIS) officers posted in West Bengal, and their eligible dependent family members. People who are not covered under WBHS can use other government health schemes available for the general public.
Why Was West Bengal Health Scheme Started?
To understand the importance of the West Bengal Health Scheme, it is helpful to look at the main goals and benefits it provides to government employees and pensioners.
- To protect from heavy hospital bills: A serious illness or surgery can cost lakhs of rupees. The scheme makes sure employees and pensioners do not face this burden alone.
- To provide cashless treatment: The biggest aim is to let beneficiaries get treatment without arranging money first, which is a huge relief during an emergency.
- To support pensioners in old age: Retired employees often face more health problems but have a fixed income. The scheme gives them strong medical security.
- To cover the whole family: By including dependent family members, the scheme protects not just the employee but their loved ones too.
- To make healthcare transparent: With online enrolment, claims, and a fixed list of approved hospitals and rates, the scheme keeps the process fair and clear.
West Bengal Health Scheme Latest Update 2026
The West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) has opened a new enrolment window for eligible government employees and pensioners. Those who have not yet joined the scheme can apply before 31 July 2026.
The upgraded WBHS portal now allows beneficiaries to submit claims online, receive SMS updates, seek treatment approvals, and track requests from home. These digital services have made the scheme faster, simpler, and more convenient for users.
West Bengal Health Scheme Cashless Limit 2026
Under WBHS, eligible beneficiaries can get cashless treatment up to ₹1,50,000 (₹1.5 lakh) per treatment at empanelled (approved) hospitals. This means for treatment within this amount, you do not have to pay the hospital yourself — the government settles the bill directly.
A few important points about the cashless limit:
- The standard cashless limit for employees and pensioners is ₹1.5 lakh per treatment.
- All India Service (AIS) officers posted in West Bengal (IAS, IPS, IFS) get a higher cashless limit of ₹2,00,000 (₹2 lakh) per indoor treatment.
- If your treatment cost goes above the limit, you must pay the extra amount yourself.
- For some high-cost treatments, special higher limits apply. For example, cancer treatment at certain specialised centres and chemotherapy or immunotherapy above a set cost can be covered under special rules.
So while the basic cashless cover is ₹1.5 lakh, the scheme has flexible higher limits for serious cases and senior officers.
West Bengal Health Scheme Benefits
WBHS gives a wide range of medical benefits, not just hospital admission. Here are the main ones explained simply.
- Cashless indoor treatment: Get hospitalisation, surgeries, and treatment at empanelled hospitals without paying upfront, up to the cashless limit.
- OPD treatment reimbursement: Get money back for outpatient (OPD) treatment of certain listed chronic diseases, like insulin-dependent diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.
- Reimbursement at non-empanelled hospitals: If you take treatment at a non-empanelled but licensed hospital in West Bengal, you can claim back a part of the cost (usually 60%, or 80% in larger hospitals with more than 80 beds, of the approved cost or actual amount, whichever is less).
- Treatment outside West Bengal: For certain specialised treatments not available in the state, you can get reimbursement for treatment at specified hospitals outside West Bengal, including travel cost with one attendant, with prior approval.
- Investigation and diagnostic costs: Reimbursement of certain test and diagnostic costs based on a doctor’s OPD prescription, done at empanelled centres.
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation costs: You can also claim OPD treatment costs linked to your hospitalisation for the period of 30 days before admission and 30 days after discharge, as per scheme rules.
- Follow-up treatment: Reimbursement of follow-up medical treatment costs for certain specified diseases when done at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage for family members: The benefits also cover the eligible dependent family members of the employee or pensioner.
Diseases Covered Under West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS)
Under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS), beneficiaries can claim reimbursement for OPD treatment expenses related to certain specified diseases. These include:
- Cancer and other malignant diseases
- Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other liver diseases
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Type-1 Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
- Neurological and Cerebrovascular Disorders
- Heart Diseases
- Renal (Kidney) Failure
- Malignant Malaria
- Thalassaemia, Bleeding Disorders, and Platelet Disorders
- Injuries caused by accidents, including animal bites
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment
- COVID-19
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Follow-Up Treatments Eligible for Reimbursement
WBHS also provides reimbursement for follow-up medical treatment related to the following major procedures:
- Neurosurgery
- Kidney (Renal) Transplant
- Cancer Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy
- Cardiac Surgery, including Coronary Angioplasty and Implants
- Accident-related Treatments
- Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement Surgery
Diagnostic Tests Covered Under WBHS
The cost of certain diagnostic investigations can also be reimbursed when prescribed by a recognised hospital. These include:
- CT Scan
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Ultrasonography (USG)
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography)
These benefits help beneficiaries receive quality medical treatment while reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
West Bengal Health Scheme Eligibility 2026: Who Can Apply?
To use the scheme, you must fall into one of these groups. WBHS is not open to the general public.
- State government employees and their dependent family members.
- State government pensioners and family pensioners and their families.
- All India Service (AIS) officers — IAS, IPS, and IFS officers — posted in or serving the affairs of West Bengal, and their families. For these officers, two conditions apply: they must have voluntarily enrolled for WBHS, and they must not be receiving benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) at the same time.
- Pensioners of AIS belonging to West Bengal.
Dependent family members usually include the spouse, parents, children, siblings, a widowed or divorced daughter, and an unmarried, divorced, or widowed sister, as per scheme rules.
So if you or a family member is a West Bengal government employee or pensioner, you are likely eligible. If you are an ordinary private citizen, you should look at the Swasthya Sathi scheme instead.
What is NOT Covered Under WBHS
Just as important as the benefits is knowing what the scheme does not cover. The following are generally excluded:
- Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery done for looks, not medical need.
- Self-inflicted injuries.
- Treatment for substance (drug or alcohol) abuse.
- Experimental or unproven treatments without established medical use.
- Organ transplants, unless prior approval is taken.
- Rehabilitation therapy, generally, unless specially approved.
- OPD treatment for chronic conditions that are not on the scheme’s specified list.
- Air travel expenses, even if for treatment.
West Bengal Health Scheme Hospital List: How to Check Empanelled Hospitals
Many people search for the WBHS hospital list, because cashless treatment only works at empanelled (approved) hospitals. Here is how to find them.
The full and updated list of empanelled hospitals is available on the official WBHS portal (healthscheme.wb.gov.in ). The list includes:
- Government hospitals
- State-aided hospitals
- Local hospitals
- Private hospitals (such as well-known heart and multi-speciality hospitals in Kolkata)
- A small number of specified hospitals outside West Bengal for treatments not available within the state.
How to check the hospital list online:
- Visit healthscheme.wb.gov.in .
- Look for the “Hospitals” or empanelled hospital list section.
- You can search by district, hospital type, or name.
- You can also see doctor details available under the hospitals section.
Important tip: Hospital lists are updated from time to time, and some hospitals may leave the scheme. So always confirm with the hospital and check the portal before you go for treatment, to make sure it is still empanelled.
West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) Hospital List
The West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) provides cashless and reimbursement-based treatment facilities through a wide network of government, state-aided, and empanelled private hospitals.
Hospitals Covered Within West Bengal
WBHS beneficiaries can receive treatment at:
- All government hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and diagnostic centres operated by the Government of West Bengal and other state governments.
- Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres managed by municipalities, municipal corporations, and other local bodies within West Bengal.
- Empanelled private hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centres approved under the WBHS.
State-Aided Hospitals Under WBHS
Some of the major state-aided hospitals covered under the scheme include:
- Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata
- Islamia Hospital, Kolkata
- Marwari Relief Society Hospital, Kolkata
- Institute of Child Health, Kolkata
- Balananda Brahmachari Hospital, Kolkata
- Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, Kolkata
- Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Matribhavan, Kolkata
- Dr. M. N. Chatterjee Memorial Eye Hospital, Kolkata
- J.N. Roy Sishu Seva Bhavan, Kolkata
- Kalimpong Leprosy Hospital, Kalimpong
- Chartoris Hospital, Kalimpong
- Sri Balaram Seva Mandir, Khardah
- Ramkrishna Matri Mangal Pratisthan and B.C. Roy Sishu Sadan, Ariadaha
Speciality Hospitals Outside West Bengal
For specialised medical treatment, WBHS beneficiaries can also avail services at selected hospitals outside West Bengal, including:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
- Tata Memorial Hospital
- Christian Medical College
- Sankara Nethralaya
- Apollo Hospital Chennai
- L.V. Prasad Eye Institute
- Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute
- Asian Institute of Gastroenterology
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
- Primus Super Speciality Hospital
Beneficiaries are advised to check the latest empanelled hospital list on the WBHS portal before seeking treatment, as hospitals may be added or removed from the network from time to time.
Documents Required for West Bengal Health Scheme
Keep these documents ready for enrollment and for claiming treatment.
For enrolment, you typically need:
- Proof of being a government employee or pensioner (service or pension details)
- Date of entry into government service
- PRAN or GPF number (if available)
- Identity and address proof
- Family member details for dependents
For claiming treatment, keep ready:
- Your WBHS certificate / ID card
- Original medical bills and receipts
- Doctor’s prescriptions
- Diagnostic and test reports
- Discharge summary
- Essentiality Certificates (Form D1/D2 for employees, Form IV1/IV2 for pensioners)
How to Register / Enrol for WBHS Online
Enrolling in the scheme is done mainly online through the official portal. Here are the simple steps.
Step 1 — Open the official portal Go to healthscheme.wb.gov.in. Always use only the official website.
Step 2 — Go to the enrolment / downloads section Open the “Downloads” or enrolment section and select your category — Employees or Pensioners.
Step 3 — Fill in your details Enter your service details, including your date of entry into government service and your PRAN or GPF number. If you do not have one, you can select the “No” option as guided.
Step 4 — Add family members Add your eligible dependent family members so they are also covered under the scheme.
Step 5 — Get the enrolment certificate Your enrolment is processed, and the enrolment certificate is issued through your Head of Office. After approval, you receive your WBHS certificate, which you must show at the hospital for cashless treatment.
Remember, the fresh enrolment window is open till 31 July 2026, so eligible employees and pensioners should complete this on time.
How to Download the WBHS Application Form
If you prefer to fill a physical form, you can easily download it from the official portal. Here are the simple steps.
Step 1 — Open the official portal Go to healthscheme.wb.gov.in.
Step 2 — Click “Download” On the home page, click on the “Download” option.
Step 3 — Select your category Choose the correct category from the drop-down box, such as Employees or Pensioners.
Step 4 — Download the form Select and download the correct application form from the list shown.
Step 5 — Print and fill Take a printout of the form, fill it in carefully, attach the required documents, and submit it as per the instructions.
This option is useful for those who want a paper copy or need to submit through their office.
How to Claim Cashless Treatment Under WBHS (Step-by-Step)
When you need treatment at an empanelled hospital, the cashless process is simple. Here is how it works.
Step 1 — Show your WBHS certificate At the time of admission or OPD consultation at an empanelled hospital, present your WBHS certificate / ID card and give a photocopy to the hospital.
Step 2 — Hospital sends a request The hospital (called a Health Care Organisation) sends an authorisation request to the Government Authorised Agency (GAA).
Step 3 — Approval The GAA checks your details and approves the request.
Step 4 — Get treatment without paying You receive treatment, and you do not pay the hospital up to the approved cashless limit. The bills are settled directly between the hospital and the government.
Step 5 — Pay only the extra (if any) If your treatment cost goes above the cashless limit, you pay only the extra amount beyond the limit.
This cashless system is the biggest advantage of WBHS, because it removes the stress of arranging money during a medical emergency.
How to Claim Reimbursement (Non-Empanelled Treatment)
Sometimes treatment is taken at a non-empanelled hospital, or it is a type of claim that needs reimbursement. In such cases:
- Collect all documents — original bills, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and discharge summary.
- Get the Essentiality Certificate — Form D1/D2 for employees or Form IV1/IV2 for pensioners.
- Submit the claim through the WBHS portal, which now supports online processing of reimbursement and advance claims.
- The medical cell verifies the claim and reimburses the approved amount as per scheme rates.
For non-empanelled but licensed hospitals in West Bengal, the reimbursement is usually a percentage of the approved cost, so it is always better to choose an empanelled hospital when possible.
WBHS vs Swasthya Sathi: What is the Difference?
Many people confuse WBHS with Swasthya Sathi, so let us clear this up simply, as both are West Bengal health schemes.
- WBHS is mainly for government employees, pensioners, and their families. It offers cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per treatment, plus OPD and reimbursement benefits.
- Swasthya Sathi is for the general public of West Bengal, especially families not covered by WBHS. It is a smart-card based scheme that offers cover up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, with the full premium paid by the government.
So the simple rule is: if you are a government employee or pensioner, WBHS is your scheme; if you are a general citizen, Swasthya Sathi is for you. A person should use the scheme that matches their status.
West Bengal Health Scheme Helpline Number & Contact
If you face any problem with enrolment, the hospital list, or your claim, you can get help through these official channels:
- WBHS contact numbers: (033) 2254-4123 and (033) 2254-4034
- Email: support.wbmedicalcell@nic.in
- For Grant-in-Aid (GIA) colleges and universities: helpline 1800-102-8014, email support.hshed-wb@nic.in
- Official portal: healthscheme.wb.gov.in — use the “May I Assist You” option to submit a query or grievance
- SMS services are also available for various scheme updates
Always use only the official numbers and the official portal. Keep your enrolment and claim details ready when you contact them, so your issue can be solved faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With WBHS
Many beneficiaries face delays for small reasons. Avoid these common errors:
- Going to a non-empanelled hospital for cashless treatment — cashless only works at empanelled hospitals.
- Not carrying the WBHS certificate at the time of admission.
- Missing the enrolment deadline (currently 31 July 2026 for fresh enrolment).
- Incomplete documents for claims — always keep bills, prescriptions, reports, and Essentiality Certificates ready.
- Not checking the updated hospital list — a hospital may have left the scheme.
- Confusing WBHS with Swasthya Sathi — use the scheme that matches your status.
Why West Bengal Health Scheme Matters for Families
For a government employee or a retired pensioner, a sudden hospital bill of a few lakh rupees can wipe out years of savings. WBHS removes this fear. Knowing that hospitalisation, surgery, and major treatment are covered on a cashless basis lets families focus on getting better instead of worrying about arranging money.
The scheme is especially valuable for pensioners, who often need more medical care in old age but live on a fixed monthly income. With WBHS, they can get quality treatment at good hospitals without depending on their children for large sums. The fact that the scheme also covers dependent family members means an employee’s spouse, parents, and children are protected too. In short, WBHS turns a stressful medical emergency into a manageable situation, giving real peace of mind to those who serve the state.
Conclusion
WBHS provides valuable healthcare support to West Bengal government employees and pensioners. With cashless treatment, reimbursement benefits, and access to a large network of hospitals, the scheme helps families manage medical expenses more easily.
If you are eligible, make sure to enrol before 31 July 2026, keep your documents ready, and use approved hospitals for treatment. Understanding the scheme today can help you receive timely medical care and financial protection in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS)?
It is a state government health scheme launched in 2008 and revamped in 2014. It gives cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per treatment to state government employees, pensioners, and their families at empanelled hospitals.
Q2. What is the cashless limit under WBHS?
The cashless limit is ₹1,50,000 (₹1.5 lakh) per treatment for employees and pensioners. All India Service officers posted in West Bengal get a higher limit of ₹2 lakh per indoor treatment.
Q3. Who is eligible for the West Bengal Health Scheme?
State government employees, pensioners, family pensioners, and All India Service (IAS, IPS, IFS) officers in West Bengal, along with their dependent family members, are eligible. It is not for the general public.
Q4. How do I check the WBHS hospital list?
Visit the official portal healthscheme.wb.gov.in and open the hospitals section. You can search the list of empanelled government and private hospitals. Always confirm a hospital is still empanelled before treatment.
Q5. What is the WBHS helpline number?
You can call the WBHS contact numbers (033) 2254-4123 and (033) 2254-4034, or use the “May I Assist You” option on the official portal to raise a query or grievance.
Q6. What benefits does WBHS provide?
It provides cashless indoor treatment, OPD reimbursement for certain chronic diseases, reimbursement at non-empanelled hospitals, treatment outside West Bengal with approval, and coverage for dependent family members.
Q7. How do I claim cashless treatment?
Show your WBHS certificate at an empanelled hospital during admission. The hospital sends an authorisation request to the Government Authorised Agency, which approves it, and you get treatment without paying up to the cashless limit.
Q8. What is not covered under the scheme?
Cosmetic surgery, self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse treatment, experimental treatments, air travel costs, and OPD for non-listed chronic conditions are generally excluded. Organ transplants and rehabilitation need special approval.
Q9. What is the difference between WBHS and Swasthya Sathi?
WBHS is for government employees and pensioners with cashless cover up to ₹1.5 lakh per treatment, while Swasthya Sathi is for the general public with cover up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Q10. Is fresh enrolment open in 2026?
Yes. As per the latest government order, fresh enrolment of employees and pensioners under WBHS is open till 31 July 2026, so eligible people should enrol within this time.
Q11. How do I download my WBHS certificate or application form?
Visit the official portal healthscheme.wb.gov.in , click the “Download” option, select your category (Employees or Pensioners), and download the form or certificate. After enrolment, your enrolment certificate is issued through your Head of Office.
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