In a major relief to the journalist community, the Odisha government has decided not to merge the Gopabandhu Bhabika Swasthya Bima Yojana (Gopabandhu Health Insurance Scheme) with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
Earlier, speculations and discussions regarding the integration of the journalist-specific health scheme into the central program had triggered widespread dissatisfaction and concern among media professionals.
Heeding requests from journalists to preserve their exclusive coverage, the state government officially resolved to maintain the Gopabandhu scheme in its original, standalone format.
Following this positive announcement, the Odisha Union of Journalists has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for safeguarding journalists' special welfare benefits.
Eligible media personnel across the state can continue to seamlessly access cashless medical treatment and healthcare support through the dedicated state-run scheme without any changes.