Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Monday extended support to Swasthya Mitras, even as over 900 of them staged a protest in the state capital demanding immediate reinstatement after their services were abruptly terminated.
In a post on his official X handle, Patnaik acknowledged the crucial role played by the Swasthya Mitras in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level.
“Swasthya Mitras are playing a pivotal role in ensuring healthcare services at the grassroots level. I met a delegation of the Swasthya Mitras and understood their conveniences and inconveniences. I advised them to continue the fight for rights,” Patnaik wrote.
Notably, the All Odisha Swasthya Mitra Association has been demanding that the state government immediately revoke the termination and reinstate them. The association has warned that the protest will continue until the government reviews its decision and provides written assurance on their employment. On Monday, Swasthya Mitras staged a protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar demanding the government to revoke the termination decision.
It is pertinent to mention that Swasthya Mitras are outsourced workers engaged through service providers by the State Health Assurance Society (SHAS). They assist beneficiaries under the state’s health insurance schemes, including registration, verification, documentation, and access to cashless treatment.
In December 2025, the state government had approved the redesignation of 1,009 Swasthya Mitras as Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras following the integration of Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) with Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
However, last month, the workers received an email from their service provider stating that the contract would expire on June 30, 2026, leading to the termination of their services.
