Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat, Extending Healthcare to 3.5 Crore People
In a significant development for healthcare in Odisha, the state has officially integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), extending health insurance coverage to approximately 1 crore families or around 3.52 crore people across the state.
The implementation was marked by the distribution of co-branded cards that combine the national AB-PMJAY scheme with the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana during an event in Cuttack. Additionally, the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, which provides healthcare coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above regardless of socioeconomic status, was also launched in the state.
National Impact and Reach
The program’s expansion into Odisha contributes to the national coverage of the AB-PMJAY scheme, which now serves approximately 62 crore people across India. Officials noted that the scheme has already benefited more than 8.19 crore people nationwide, with the government having spent a cumulative Rs. 1.26 lakh crore on healthcare services.
Over the past year, the program has expanded to include additional beneficiary groups, such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers and their families, encompassing approximately 36 lakh more people. The October 2023 expansion to include all citizens over 70 years of age marked another significant milestone in the program’s evolution.
Economic Benefits for Patients
One of the most substantial impacts of the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been the reduction of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure from 62% to 38%, making quality healthcare more accessible to economically vulnerable populations. This reduction represents a critical shift in healthcare financing that protects families from catastrophic health expenditures and reduces the likelihood of healthcare-induced poverty.
Infrastructure Development
As part of the broader healthcare improvements in Odisha, Rs. 1,411 crores have been allocated under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM) to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state. These funds will support the development of healthcare facilities, improvements in medical equipment, and enhancement of service delivery systems.
Healthcare Professional Workforce Enhancement
The state government has appointed over 4,000 doctors with plans to add 5,000 more, addressing the critical shortage of medical professionals in the region. Additionally, there is a strategic vision to establish medical colleges in every district, which would significantly improve both medical education opportunities and healthcare access throughout Odisha.
Specialized Benefits
The scheme will particularly benefit Odisha residents who live outside the state, as they can access healthcare facilities in hospitals beyond state boundaries. This portability feature ensures continuity of healthcare coverage regardless of a beneficiary’s location within the country.
Officials highlighted that the program will have a significant positive impact on tribal communities and economically disadvantaged sections of society throughout Odisha. The state has also demonstrated commitment to other health initiatives, with notable participation in the 100-day TB Intensified Elimination Programme, which identified 16,500 new tuberculosis cases.
The integration of these healthcare schemes represents a comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare challenges in Odisha, with potential long-term benefits for public health indicators, economic productivity, and quality of life for millions of residents.
