Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the BSKY Nabin Card on Wednesday, a healthcare initiative aimed at providing comprehensive medical benefits to rural residents. The card distribution commenced immediately, and the beneficiaries are set to receive the associated benefits starting May. This scheme is part of the state government’s 5T initiative, emphasizing transparency, teamwork, technology, and time to achieve effective governance.
Addressing the launch event, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his commitment to the well-being of all 4.5 crore people in Odisha. He stated, “All the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are my family. I have always been and always will be in your happiness and sorrow. Your happiness is my happiness.”
Highlighting the vital connection between health and a prosperous nation, the Chief Minister stressed the significance of a healthy society. He affirmed his continuous efforts for the well-being of the residents, underscoring the importance of the BSKY Nabin Card in extending health coverage to more families.
Under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), over one crore families, constituting 80% of the state’s population, currently benefit from cashless medical coverage. The scheme provides medical benefits up to Rs 10 lakh for women and up to Rs 5 lakh for other family members. More than 130,000 beneficiaries receive treatment in 816 registered private hospitals monthly, with the state government investing over Rs 270 crore.
The BSKY Nabin Card aims to expand the coverage of this scheme, reaching additional families in rural areas. Health and Family Welfare Minister Niranjan Pujari, who attended the program in Sambalpur district, lauded the Chief Minister’s historic decision to cover underprivileged beneficiaries in rural regions under the 5T initiative.
VK Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, commended the state government for its commitment to providing health protection to everyone in Odisha. He revealed plans to include almost everyone in urban areas in the BSKY Nabin card in the next phase.
During the launch event, several dignitaries, including Minister for Empowerment of Disabled Ashok Chandra Panda and MLA Kishore Chandra Naik, expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s initiatives in healthcare and development. The BSKY has become a symbol of progress and welfare for the people of Odisha under his leadership. Shalini Pandit, Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, delivered the welcome address, and the CEO of BSKY Society proposed the vote of thanks.