In a significant move to strengthen its public health infrastructure, the Odisha government has approved a series of crucial initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) umbrella. The decisions, aimed at guaranteeing seamless cashless medical treatment for beneficiaries, were finalized during an empowered committee meeting held on Tuesday.
Major Approvals and New Treatment Packages
The high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, led to several pivotal decisions. The most notable among them is the inclusion of 73 new state-specific treatment packages. These packages are focused on critical specialties like oncology (cancer care), haematology (blood disorders), and ophthalmology (eye care).
With this addition, the total number of healthcare packages available to citizens of Odisha under the scheme has risen to an impressive 2,163. This expansion is designed to cover a wider spectrum of illnesses and provide more comprehensive financial protection to families.
Structural Reforms for Smoother Implementation
Beyond adding new packages, the committee approved several operational reforms to enhance the scheme's reach and efficiency. A key decision involves the phased rollout of AB-PMJAY-GJAY in government health facilities. This step is expected to integrate public hospitals more deeply into the cashless ecosystem, increasing access for rural and urban populations alike.
In a move to rebrand and empower frontline workers, the committee also decided to redesignate 1,009 'Swasthya Mitras' as 'PM Arogya Mitras'. These personnel play a vital role in assisting beneficiaries with scheme-related processes at hospitals.
Addressing Gaps and Supporting Critical Care
The government has also addressed a specific gap that emerged during the transition to a new IT platform. It approved the offline settlement of claims for dependent children aged between 6 and 18 years who were temporarily excluded. This ensures that no eligible beneficiary is denied due to technical reasons.
In a major boost for advanced cancer care, the committee sanctioned an interest-free revolving fund of Rs 10 lakh to the Tata Memorial Centre. This fund will facilitate cashless high-end cancer diagnostics for patients from Odisha referred to the premier institute, removing a significant financial barrier in their treatment journey.
These collective measures underscore the state government's commitment to fortifying its healthcare safety net. By expanding treatment coverage, streamlining processes, and partnering with elite institutions, Odisha is taking concrete steps toward ensuring that quality medical care is accessible and affordable for its citizens under the flagship national health protection scheme.
