Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step toward universal healthcare, Odisha is set to roll out a unified health insurance scheme on April 11, combining the benefits of central and state programs.
With this launch, Odisha will become the 34th state in the country to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The state’s own Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) and the newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, aimed at senior citizens, will also be integrated into this initiative.
The combined scheme, likely to be named Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-GJAY), is expected to transform healthcare access for the people of Odisha.
Nearly 3.5 crore residents from 1.3 crore families will be covered under this initiative. Each family will receive an annual insurance cover of ₹5 lakh for medical expenses, with an additional ₹5 lakh allocated specifically for women members — significantly boosting healthcare security for women across the state.
The official launch will take place at the Bali Jatra ground in Cuttack at 2:30 PM, where Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda will formally unveil the scheme. The event will be attended by an array of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling. Odisha’s three Union Ministers — Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw — are also expected to be present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
To ensure statewide participation, over 1,400 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) will join the event virtually via video conferencing. District-level programs will be held simultaneously, with state ministers attending and addressing gatherings across Odisha.
With this initiative, beneficiaries will gain access to free, cashless treatment in more than 29,000 government and private hospitals across the country, offering both geographic flexibility and healthcare assurance. The convergence of schemes under AB-GJAY not only simplifies access but also reinforces Odisha’s commitment to inclusive, affordable, and gender-sensitive healthcare.
