Bhubaneswar, Apr 11: Odisha is set to achieve a landmark in its healthcare journey as Union Health Minister JP Nadda will inaugurate the much-awaited Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Friday.

The grand launch will take place at the historic Baliayatra ground in Cuttack, marking a significant step forward in the state's commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

The Union Minister will launch the central scheme along with 'Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana' and the state's Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other leaders.

Following the inauguration of the scheme, free health services will be provided to 3.5 crore people in the State. The Health cards will be distributed at 1405 primary health centres on the day of the launch.

About the scheme

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), launched on 23rd September 2018, mainly for the millions of poor and vulnerable families across the country. In just five years, it enabled them with timely access and quality healthcare without burdening them with catastrophic health expenditure during medical emergencies

This government-backed health insurance scheme provides financial protection to economically weaker sections.

The AB PM-JAY will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana GJAY in Odisha.

The scheme will provide a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per annum with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members. Moreover, senior citizens aged above 70 will get a separate card under the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme.

People of the State who were previously receiving treatment in around 900 empanelled hospitals, will now have access to cashless and quality treatment in over 29,000 government and private empanelled hospitals. The converged schemes will cumulatively benefit around 4.5 crore people of Odisha with the help of a single card.

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