What to Expect from JP Nadda's Launch of Ayushman Bharat in Odisha?

Union Health Minister to Unveil Major Health Initiatives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On April 11, Union Health Minister JP Nadda is set to introduce the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Odisha, as confirmed by a senior state official on Saturday.

The previous BJD administration did not roll out this initiative, but following the BJP's rise to power in June 2024, the decision was made to implement it in the state.

During a press briefing, state Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced that Nadda will launch the central program alongside the ‘Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana’ and the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) at a special event in Cuttack, which will also be attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Three union ministers from Odisha—Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw—are expected to participate in the event.

The event will also see participation from 1,405 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state via video conferencing.

The BJP government plans to implement GJAY, replacing the previous Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) initiated by the BJD.

Mahaling stated that approximately 3.5 crore individuals from 1.3 crore families in Odisha will benefit from these two schemes, which will provide cashless treatment in 29,000 registered private and government hospitals nationwide, a significant increase from the previous 900 hospitals.

Each beneficiary will receive a single card to access benefits from both schemes, a change from the earlier system where cards were issued per family.

Additionally, the central initiative ‘Ayushman Vaya-Vandana Yojana’ will be available for all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their financial situation.

Health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh will be available for each family, with an extra Rs 5 lakh for female beneficiaries. If a family includes a member over 70, the total health coverage can reach Rs 15 lakh.

Mahaling accused the former BJD government of not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme for political reasons, asserting that the new initiative will greatly benefit the underprivileged in Odisha.

Recently, the state cabinet approved a budget of Rs 27,019 crore for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and GJAY over the next five years.