Odisha to launch Ayushman Bharat Yojana by end of financial year

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: The Odisha government is gearing up to roll out the Ayushman Bharat Yojana by the close of the current financial year. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed that preparations are underway to implement both parts of the scheme.

"We aim to launch Ayushman Bharat Yojana Part 1 and Part 2 in Odisha by the end of this financial year," Mahaling said. Discussions have already taken place with the Chief Minister, and talks with the Central Government are ongoing. The initiative includes issuing a unified health card for Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Gopabandhu Arogya Yojana, set to benefit approximately 3.5 crore individuals.

Under the new scheme, the number of hospitals providing medical facilities will expand significantly, increasing from 950 private hospitals under the previous scheme to 27,000 hospitals nationwide. The distribution of health cards is expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

In addition, the minister announced plans to appoint 250 radiographers in various government hospitals across the state to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

As part of broader health initiatives, the government will launch an awareness campaign to address cervical cancer. This will involve setting up health camps in schools and colleges to provide free vaccinations, ensuring accessibility to this critical preventive measure.

Highlighting the vulnerability of teenage girls to cervical cancer, Mahaling stated that the government is working with the Central Government to enhance awareness and preventive efforts. The ultimate aim is to eradicate cervical cancer as a public health threat.