Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster healthcare services, the Odisha Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal for an estimated expenditure of ₹27,019.25 crore for the implementation of the integrated Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) for five years, starting from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30.
The State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority to jointly implement these schemes, ensuring comprehensive health coverage for the people of Odisha. Under the new integrated scheme, approximately 1.03 crore families, covering 3.46 crore beneficiaries, will receive cashless treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually.
Additionally, female members of the family will be entitled to an extra ₹5 lakh, enhancing healthcare access for women.
In a bid to prioritize senior citizens, the Cabinet also introduced the “Ayushman Bayo-Bandana Yojana,” which will provide cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status.
Key Features of the Integrated Scheme:
- Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at 29,000 empanelled government and private hospitals across the country, a significant increase from the earlier 900 hospitals.
- The State Government will receive central funding for the implementation of AB PMJAY, ensuring seamless execution.
- An additional 6 lakh new beneficiaries in Odisha are expected to be included under this scheme, further expanding its reach.
Notably, all government hospitals in the state will continue to provide free treatment to all citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
This landmark decision reflects the State Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring universal health coverage for the people of Odisha.
