Odisha Launches Unified Health Insurance Scheme

Recently, Odisha introduced a comprehensive health insurance scheme to enhance healthcare access for its citizens. The initiative merges the central Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with the state-specific Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. This move aims to provide better healthcare coverage to portion of the population.

Background

Odisha was one of the few states that had not implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme earlier. The previous government argued that the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana was superior. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party made the non-implementation a key issue during the 2024 elections, leading to the current administration’s commitment to merge the schemes.

Objectives

The primary goal of the new health insurance scheme is to offer extensive health coverage to approximately 3.5 crore individuals from over 1 crore families in Odisha. Each family can access up to Rs 5 lakh in annual health coverage. Women members are entitled to an additional Rs 5 lakh, promoting gender equity in health services.

Special Provisions for Senior Citizens

The scheme includes the Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Card, which provides Rs 5 lakh in health coverage for all citizens aged 70 and above. Families with at least one senior citizen can receive a total of Rs 15 lakh in coverage.

Cashless Treatment Facilities

Beneficiaries can avail themselves of cashless treatment at over 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India. This marks increase from the previous network of only 900 hospitals under the earlier scheme, ensuring wider access to medical services.

Government Funding and Support

The Odisha Cabinet has allocated Rs 27,019 crore over five years to support the scheme’s implementation. This funding will cover both the central and state components, ensuring the sustainability of the programme.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs