The Assam government has introduced a cashless healthcare facility for its employees, pensioners, and their dependents under the flagship ‘Ayushman Asom Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana’ (AA-MMLSAY). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the facility in Guwahati on Wednesday evening.With this rollout, beneficiaries can now access cashless medical treatment at empanelled hospitals across Assam as well as major corporate hospitals across India. Until now, the scheme, which began in 2023, only offered reimbursement-based medical benefits.

To ensure a smooth transition, the government will continue the earlier reimbursement process alongside the new system. So far, 2,23,826 employees and 6,172 pensioners have registered under the scheme, with registration open at any time.

The CM said reimbursements are made in line with Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, and Assam adopts revised rates as soon as they are updated by the Centre to maintain parity in health benefits for state employees. Unlike the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, which depends on government funding, AA-MMLSAY is self-sustaining and funded through employee contributions.

Since its launch, around Rs 65 crore has been reimbursed to beneficiaries, a sharp increase from the earlier annual expenditure of Rs 17-18 crore, reflecting the scheme’s expanded reach. Sarma estimated that the total number of beneficiaries could reach eight lakh in the near future and assured continued enhancement of the programme.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Assam government will soon set up its own Pay Commission to ensure that state employees receive benefits simultaneously with those provided to central government staff.