Bhubaneswar: Following a decisive victory in the Odisha state Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state. The announcement was made by state BJP president Manmohan Samal on Wednesday, signaling a significant shift in healthcare policy for Odisha.
In a press briefing, Samal highlighted the scope and benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is set to replace the existing Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). “Health cards will change soon. BJP will implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme for Odisha people and 1.5 lakh Odia people residing outside the state,” Samal stated.
He emphasized the broader reach of the Ayushman Bharat scheme compared to the BSKY, noting that it offers more comprehensive coverage. “Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) has limited scope. So we will implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which has a larger scope in comparison with BSKY cards. The Ayushman Bharat scheme will be implemented after the new government takes oath. Common people will be entitled to avail 100% of Rs 5 lakh under the provision, and there will be no limitation for treatment,” Samal explained.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative of the central government, aims to provide a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.