Odisha Launches Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme, Promising Better Healthcare

Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) on Monday. The Memorandum was signed to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the eastern state.

With this agreement, Odisha has become the latest state to implement PM-JAY in conjunction with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), bringing the scheme to the heart of Odisha.

So far, 26 states and all 18 union territories have adopted the scheme, with only Delhi and West Bengal remaining to join.

PM-JAY Scheme Benefits 0.3 Million Families

In a historic move, Odisha has become the latest state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), aligning the scheme with the state’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). This development will directly benefit 0.3 million families in the state, with the central government extending its support.

Meanwhile, the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, aiming to provide health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme aims to cover over 500 million poor and vulnerable people across the country, ensuring healthcare reaches those in need.

Odisha’s Milestone and National Reach

With Odisha’s inclusion, the scheme now covers around 45% of India’s population. Since its launch in 2018, PM-JAY has recorded more than 8 crore hospitalizations. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda described Odisha’s participation as a “historic moment” for the country, emphasizing that political egos should not hinder states from choosing people-centric schemes that benefit citizens.

“Odisha joining the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme is a historic moment,” Nadda said. “Hospitalization rates have significantly increased in remote areas, thanks to the improved access to health facilities provided by PM-JAY.”

JAY Scheme Expansion For Senior Citizens

In a major expansion last year, the union government extended PM-JAY coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.

This decision has expanded the number of beneficiaries, with an estimated 45 million families now eligible, and 60 million senior citizens set to benefit from the scheme.

Scheme Boasts Impressive Network

PM-JAY currently boasts an extensive network of 30,985 empanelled hospitals, including 12,881 private healthcare providers. These hospitals offer over 2,000 treatment procedures across 27 specialities, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for beneficiaries.

A team led by the CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA) visited Bhubaneswar, Odisha, last year to meet with the state’s health minister and chief secretary. Their discussions were aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the scheme in Odisha and reinforcing the state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access.

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