Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to cancer care in Odisha, the state government has decided to include 121 new cancer treatment packages under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, significantly expanding access to free treatment for eligible beneficiaries.
Announcing the decision, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the newly approved packages are aimed at strengthening cancer treatment facilities and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families. The expanded coverage includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a range of complex cancer surgeries, enabling beneficiaries to access advanced treatment without incurring high out-of-pocket expenses.
The minister said the cost of these additional treatment packages will be borne by the state government, ensuring that financial constraints do not force patients to discontinue treatment. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no economically disadvantaged patient is deprived of timely and quality healthcare.
Under the expanded coverage, Ayushman Bharat card holders will be able to avail the new cancer treatment packages at government hospitals as well as empanelled private healthcare institutions across the state.
The government expects the move to provide relief to thousands of families facing the high cost of cancer treatment and strengthen Odisha’s public healthcare system by improving access to comprehensive oncology services.
The expansion of cancer care under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is expected to play a key role in improving treatment accessibility and supporting the state’s broader objective of delivering affordable and equitable healthcare to all.
