Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is all set to launch Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a unified health insurance scheme today, marking a significant step towards universal healthcare.
This initiative combines the benefits of central and state programmes, making Odisha the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The scheme will also integrate the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) and the newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, aimed at senior citizens.
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.
The Odisha government’s new health initiative will cover approximately 3.5 crore residents from 1.3 crore families, providing each family with an annual insurance cover of ₹5 lakh for medical expenses. Additionally, ₹5 lakh will be allocated specifically for women members, enhancing healthcare security for women across the state.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda will officially launch the Ayushman Bharat scheme at the Bali Jatra ground in Cuttack today at 2:30 PM. The event will be attended by 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 remain present at the event.
