Swasthya Sathi Cards: In a major welfare initiative for the Bengali film industry, actor and Member of Parliament Dev has helped approximately 7,000 technicians associated with Tollywood gain access to the Swasthya Sathi health insurance program.
The initiative comes after technicians faced uncertainty following the discontinuation of an earlier government medical insurance facility that covered healthcare expenses for technicians and their families. Dev stepped in to ensure that these workers continue to receive health protection through the state’s flagship scheme.
Appeal to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (Swasthya Sathi Cards)
Dev recently shared the development on social media, revealing that he had submitted a written request to Mamata Banerjee to include film technicians under the Swasthya Sathi scheme.
According to the actor, the Chief Minister accepted his appeal, paving the way for thousands of technicians to obtain the health cards.
The registration process for technicians under the scheme is scheduled to begin on March 17, and Dev has urged all eligible technicians to complete their registration on that day.
Why the Initiative Became Necessary
Previously, the West Bengal government provided a separate medical insurance program for technicians working in the Bengali film industry.
Key features of the earlier scheme included:
- Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for medical treatment
- Health protection for technicians and their family members
- Support during hospitalization and medical emergencies
However, this insurance coverage was discontinued from the current financial year, leaving many technicians concerned about their access to affordable healthcare.
Following this development, members of the film technicians’ community approached Dev, requesting him to intervene and help secure alternative health coverage.
Swasthya Sathi Cards: A Lifeline for Technicians
The Swasthya Sathi scheme is one of West Bengal’s flagship healthcare programs designed to provide cashless treatment in government and empanelled private hospitals.
Under the scheme:
- Families receive health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year
- The card is issued in the name of the female head of the family
- Treatment is cashless at listed hospitals
- It covers secondary and tertiary healthcare services
By bringing technicians under this program, thousands of workers in the film industry will now be able to access medical treatment without worrying about high healthcare costs.
Industry Reaction: Praise for Dev’s Efforts
Film producer Rana Sarkar publicly praised Dev for taking this step to support technicians.
Sharing Dev’s announcement online, Sarkar appreciated the actor for standing by the workforce that forms the backbone of the Bengali film industry.
He highlighted that such initiatives demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting technicians and strengthening the regional film industry.
Dev’s Upcoming Film Projects
Apart from his social initiatives, Dev is also preparing for several upcoming film releases.
Some of his next projects include:
- Bike Ambulance Dada, where he will star alongside Rukmini Maitra
- A Durga Puja release with Subhashree Ganguly, tentatively titled Deshu 7
- Khadan 2, featuring Dev with Koel Mallick
These projects are expected to generate significant buzz among Bengali cinema audiences later this year.
Overview: Dev’s Initiative for Film Technicians
| Key Detail | Information |
| Initiative | Swasthya Sathi health coverage for technicians |
| Beneficiaries | Around 7,000 Bengali film technicians |
| Registration Start | 17 March |
| Health Coverage | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Initiative Led By | Actor & MP Dev |
| Approved By | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee |
FAQs
How many technicians will receive Swasthya Sathi cards?
Around 7,000 technicians associated with the Bengali film industry will benefit from this initiative.
Why was this initiative introduced?
The earlier government-backed medical insurance program for technicians was discontinued, creating a need for alternative healthcare coverage.
What benefits does the Swasthya Sathi scheme provide?
The scheme offers cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year at empanelled hospitals.
When will registration begin?
Registration for technicians will start on March 17.
Who facilitated the initiative?
The initiative was facilitated by actor and MP Dev, who appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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Official Website: https://swasthyasathi.gov.in/
