Odisha joins Ayushman Bharat, transforming healthcare access for millions*
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu:Bureau Chief

New Delhi & Odisha: Odisha has become the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in convergence with its Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), marking a major milestone in expanding quality and affordable healthcare to millions of its residents.
Historic MoU signed
The agreement to implement AB PM-JAY was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Health Authority (NHA) and Odisha’s Department of Health and Family Welfare. The signing took place at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, with key officials, including LS Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, and Aswathy S, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Odisha Health Department.
Comprehensive health coverage
The converged scheme will offer health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members, benefiting approximately 1.03 crore families. This includes 67.8 lakh families supported by the Union Government.
Union Health Minister’s remarks
Union Health Minister JP Nadda hailed the development as a “historic day for Odisha,” emphasizing the transformative impact of AB PM-JAY. He highlighted that the scheme, covering 45% of India’s population, has facilitated over 8.19 crore hospital admissions and incurred Rs 1.13 lakh crore in healthcare expenses since its inception.
Nadda also referenced a Lancet study showing a 33% increase in healthcare access for cancer patients under the scheme and significant increases in hospital admissions in remote and Naxal-affected areas like Bastar and Bijapur.
State leaders’ perspectives
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the scheme for extending access to 29,000 empaneled hospitals nationwide, transforming healthcare for 86% of Odisha’s population.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called it a “new beginning for Odisha’s healthcare sector,” with the potential to significantly boost the state’s health index.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the scheme as a step toward ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Utkarsh Odisha.’
Focusing on equity and accessibility
Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram stressed the positive impact on Odisha’s tribal and underprivileged communities, while Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo noted the scheme’s role in addressing healthcare inequities between urban and rural areas.
Next steps for digital healthcare
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling emphasized the MoU’s significance in facilitating affordable and quality healthcare for Odisha residents and migrant workers. Efforts will focus on digitalizing healthcare services across the state.
Transformative impact for Odisha
The integration of AB PM-JAY with GJAY is expected to revolutionize Odisha’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that 4.5 crore people receive cashless and quality treatment, bridging gaps in healthcare access and fostering equitable development.