Bhubaneswar, July 28: Odisha has rapidly become one of the leading states in India to benefit from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), with over 2.62 lakh people availing free healthcare services within just three months of its formal rollout on April 11, 2025.

According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, Odisha now ranks second in the country in terms of registered beneficiaries, with more than 3.44 crore people linked to the scheme.

Odisha’s Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the success of implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state, stating that the high uptake reflects the growing trust in Ayushman Bharat’s ability to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare.

Previously, Odisha had not implemented the scheme during the BJD government due to political differences, with allegations that the former government avoided participation to deny credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result, the state reportedly missed out on nearly Rs 2,600 crore in central assistance.

Following the BJP’s electoral victory in Odisha, the new government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi fulfilled its promise by launching Ayushman Bharat on April 11. The scheme has since provided critical medical support to thousands, including residents like Monaj Gantayat from Jeypore, who shared that he was unable to benefit from the earlier Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana but has now received treatment under Ayushman Bharat.

Despite the scheme’s success, political tensions remain. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticized the initiative, claiming that it focuses more on publicity than service delivery. In contrast, BJP leader Babita Patra defended the scheme, calling opposition reactions “intolerant” and politically motivated.

Ayushman Bharat, launched nationally in 2018, offers Rs 5 lakh annual health coverage per family and is now integrated with Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. With over 4.5 crore people expected to benefit, Odisha’s healthcare is undergoing a transformative shift.

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