78-F(MED)WB: West Bengal Introduces ‘Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary’ Category under WBHS

Government of West Bengal

Medical Cell, Finance Department,

2nd Floor, Khadya Bhavan,

11A, Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata-700087

No.- 78-F(MED)WB Date: 11.09.2026

ORDER

In terms of Memorandum No. 3475-F dated 11.05.2009, the eligibility for enrolment of dependent sons and daughters under the West Bengal Health Scheme (WBHS) is subject to the prescribed conditions relating to age, marital status, income and disability. A dependent son is eligible to remain enrolled up to the age of 25 years or until he attains financial independence, whichever is earlier, except where the provisions relating to permanent disability are applicable. An unmarried dependent daughter shall be eligible to remain enrolled as a beneficiary until she starts earning, irrespective of her age. In the event of her becoming a widow or obtaining a divorce, her eligibility shall be restored, subject to the prescribed income limit. The provisions relating to permanent disability shall continue to apply wherever applicable.

2. Consequently, son/daughter who cease to fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions referred above cease to remain eligible as regular beneficiaries under WBHS and their names are required to be deleted from the Scheme. On cessation of eligibility, such son/daughter may have to seek medical treatment at substantially higher rates, despite having been beneficiaries under WBHS for a considerable period. Such cessation may also affect continuity of medical care, particularly in cases requiring ongoing medical supervision, follow-up treatment or management of pre-existing conditions. The matter has, therefore, been under consideration of the Government for some time.
3. After careful consideration of the matter, the Governor is pleased to introduce a new category of enrolment under WBHS, to be known as "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary", exclusively for the son/daughter of a Government employee/pensioner who have ceased to be eligible for enrolment as regular beneficiaries under the Scheme on account of the prescribed age, dependency, income, marital status or any other eligibility criteria.
4. For the purpose of this order, a "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary" shall mean a son/daughter of a Government employee/pensioner who, having been enrolled or being eligible for enrolment as a regular beneficiary under WBHS, has ceased to be eligible to continue as a regular beneficiary under the Scheme on account of the prescribed age, dependency, income, marital status or any other eligibility criteria, and who is subsequently enrolled under this category for availing medical attendance and treatment at WBHS-empanelled Health Care Organisations (HCOs) at WBHS-approved rates, entirely ON SELF-PAYMENT BASIS. Such enrolment shall not confer any entitlement to cashless treatment, reimbursement or any other financial benefit under WBHS, and the Government shall bear no cost or financial liability whatsoever in respect of the medical treatment or expenses incurred by such beneficiary.
5. Enrolment under the category of "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary" shall be optional and shall be made only upon the specific request of the concerned Government employee or pensioner.
6. The concerned Government employee or pensioner may, at the time of furnishing information regarding the employment/earning status of his/her son/daughter or the marriage of his/her daughter, as applicable, exercise the option for enrolment of such son or daughter as a "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary" upon cessation of his/her eligibility as a regular beneficiary under WBHS.
7. In the case of a dependent son who is due to attain the age of 25 years, the Government employee or pensioner may exercise such option one month prior to the date on which the son attains the age of 25 years. On receipt of such option, the concerned office shall take necessary action and issue the revised enrolment certificate in advance, indicating the status of the son as a "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary" with effect from the day immediately following the date on which he ceases to be eligible as a regular beneficiary.
8. The transition from regular beneficiary to Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary shall take effect without any break, subject to the conditions stated hereinabove and the applicable WBHS Rules and Orders issued by the Government from time to time.
9. The enrolment certificate and the WBHS Portal shall distinctly reflect the status of such person as a "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary". All WBHS-empanelled hospitals and HCOs shall be suitably informed and guided accordingly, so that treatment under this category is provided only on self-payment basis at the applicable WBHS-approved rates.
10. It shall continue to be the responsibility of the concerned Government employee or pensioner to ensure timely deletion of the name of any dependent who ceases to fulfil the eligibility conditions for enrolment as a regular beneficiary under WBHS. Failure to disclose such cessation of eligibility or suppression of any material fact shall invite action as per WBHS rules.
11. The facility of enrolment under the category of "Non-Pecuniary Beneficiary" shall come into effect from 1st October, 2026.

All concerned are hereby informed accordingly.

By Order of the Governor,

(Khalid A. Anwar, IAS)

Secretary to the

Government of West Bengal