Odisha's twin health schemes to cover 3.5 crore residents, says Health Minister

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: Odisha's twin health schemes, the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the state's Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), will provide coverage to approximately 3.5 crore residents, announced Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Sunday.

Highlighting the expanded reach of these schemes compared to the previous government’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mahaling stated that the coverage would gradually extend to the state’s entire population of 4.3 crore.

The new health initiatives not only aim to benefit more people but also provide access to treatment in a greater number of hospitals. While the BSKY card allowed treatment in 956 empanelled hospitals, the AB PM-JAY and GJAY will enable beneficiaries to seek care in significantly more hospitals across India, Mahaling noted.

The minister further explained that budgetary provisions have already been allocated for the implementation of these schemes, and beneficiary cards will be distributed soon. The benefits will be delivered in assurance mode to ensure seamless access to healthcare services.

It is noteworthy that the current BJP-led state government has replaced the BSKY with GJAY, alongside PM-JAY, to offer cashless treatment for patients in Odisha.