Category: Health & Social Welfare | For: OPSC Odisha Civil Services Examination
By: Brajabandhu Mahanta
In a historic move set to transform Odisha’s healthcare landscape, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) at a grand ceremony held at the Bali Yatra ground in Cuttack. This event was graced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with other prominent leaders, marking the formal inclusion of Odisha in one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programmes.
What is Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY?
Ayushman Bharat is a flagship health assurance scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
In Odisha, the scheme is projected to cover:
- 1.3 crore families
- Approximately 3.5 crore individuals
This launch reflects Odisha’s commitment to universal and inclusive healthcare, especially for the economically weaker sections.
Key Features of AB-PMJAY in Odisha
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes costs related to diagnostics, pre- and post-hospitalisation, and treatment for pre-existing conditions from day one.
- Cashless & Paperless: Beneficiaries can receive treatment at any of the 29,000+ empanelled public and private hospitals across India without paying upfront.
- National Portability: Enables access to healthcare across all states and union territories, facilitating seamless treatment for migrant workers and travellers.
- Special Provision for Senior Citizens: Individuals aged 70 and above will be covered regardless of income, making this scheme even more inclusive.
Integration with State Schemes: GJAY & Vayo-Vandana
To maximize outreach, the Odisha Government is launching two parallel health initiatives:
- Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY): A state-supported insurance plan designed to bridge any coverage gaps in PMJAY.
- Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana: Specifically tailored for elderly citizens, this scheme ensures that age or income does not restrict access to quality healthcare.
Together, these initiatives aim to create a multi-layered health safety net across Odisha.
Why This Matters for Odisha’s Development
The official rollout of AB-PMJAY in Odisha is a giant leap towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is especially crucial for:
- Rural populations and BPL families
- Senior citizens with no insurance
- Patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses
With over ₹5 lakh cover per family annually, the financial burden of health expenses will significantly reduce, boosting household savings and overall well-being.
Conclusion
The launch of Ayushman Bharat in Odisha, alongside the GJAY and Vayo-Vandana Yojana, sets the tone for a healthcare revolution in the state. It highlights the state government’s resolve to ensure no citizen is denied quality medical care due to financial constraints.