In a significant milestone, Odisha has officially implemented the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a flagship healthcare program of the Indian government. This move is expected to benefit around 86% of the state's population, providing them with access to quality healthcare services.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Central and State Governments, paving the way for the integrated implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana of the State Government.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister JP Nadda for bringing the scheme to Odisha. He emphasized that the program will play a vital role in the health sector and will reach its peak in the coming days.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides a comprehensive healthcare cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, covering secondary and tertiary hospitalization care ¹. The scheme has already been implemented across the country since 2018, but due to political reasons, three state governments, including Odisha, had not implemented it until now.
With the implementation of the scheme, around 3.5 crore people from 1.3 crore families in Odisha will benefit from the program. The scheme will be available in one card, along with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, and can be availed anywhere in the country. Additionally, facilities will be available in 30,000 hospitals across the country ².
The scheme also provides several benefits, including:
- Cashless treatment: Beneficiaries can receive medical care at empaneled hospitals without having to pay upfront .
- Pre-existing conditions covered: The scheme covers pre-existing conditions from day one, ensuring that beneficiaries with chronic illnesses or pre-existing medical conditions receive the necessary treatment without any waiting period.
- Comprehensive coverage: The scheme provides extensive coverage, including hospitalization expenses, pre and post-hospitalization costs, and various medical procedures.
- Focus on preventive healthcare: The scheme emphasizes preventive healthcare and wellness, including provisions for regular health check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations.