A New Era for Public Health in Odisha
Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has emerged as one of the world’s largest government-funded healthcare insurance initiatives. The scheme aims to provide Rs 5 lakh in annual health coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across India, with over 30,000 empanelled hospitals offering cashless treatment. It has already benefited over 8.9 crore people nationwide, significantly reducing the financial burden of medical expenses.
However, Odisha had remained a notable exception. The previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government had declined to implement AB-PMJAY, citing the superiority of its own Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). Now, following a political shift in the state, Odisha has become the latest entrant into the national fold of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.
In a landmark moment for the state, Union Health Minister JP Nadda officially launched the scheme in Cuttack, marking a major pivot in Odisha’s healthcare strategy.
Odisha’s Transition: From BSKY to AB-GJAY
The launch event at Bali Jatra ground in Cuttack was attended by top political leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Jual Oram, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
The revamped healthcare program, named Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-GJAY), represents a merger of the central government’s Ayushman Bharat with Odisha’s rebranded Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). It will provide comprehensive coverage to around 3.52 crore people from 1.08 crore families in the state.
Key features include:
· Rs 5 lakh annual coverage per family, with an additional Rs 5 lakh specifically for women.
· Free treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the new Ayushman Vay Vandana component.
· Personal health cards for every beneficiary to ensure seamless access to healthcare services across 29,000+ empanelled hospitals nationwide.
A Promise Fulfilled: BJP’s Healthcare Push in Odisha
Calling it a “historic day,” JP Nadda hailed the implementation of the scheme as a fulfilment of the BJP’s pre-election promise to Odisha’s citizens. Describing Ayushman Bharat as an “assurance scheme” rather than a mere insurance model, he emphasized that doctors—not insurance companies—will decide treatment eligibility, ensuring patients get what they need without bureaucratic delays.
In his speech, Nadda highlighted that over 3 crore people in Odisha now have access to high-quality, cashless medical treatment—not just within the state but across India, a boon for many Odia workers residing in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
“This is just the beginning,” Nadda said. “We want to ensure that the people of Odisha get maximum benefit, and we are committed to further reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.”
Political Undercurrents: A Sharp Rebuke of the Past
The event was not just a policy announcement—it was also a pointed political message. Nadda launched a strong critique of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of refusing to implement the scheme out of “personal ego,” thereby depriving millions in Odisha of crucial healthcare services.
“Despite multiple requests, including from senior BJP leader Jual Oram, Naveen Babu refused to listen—not to us, not even to the people of Odisha,” Nadda claimed. “It cost him public support. The people responded in the most democratic way—they made him sit at home and gave us the mandate.”
He further pointed out that Odisha was among only three states, alongside Delhi and West Bengal, that initially refused the scheme. In a swipe at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Nadda said the BJP now holds power in the capital too and vowed to bring Ayushman Bharat to West Bengal, warning Mamata Banerjee against blocking beneficial central schemes.
A Milestone for Public Health and Politics
The launch of Ayushman Bharat in Odisha is more than a policy decision—it’s a symbol of shifting political and healthcare paradigms. For the people of the state, it marks the start of a new era of accessible, affordable, and nationwide health coverage.
By integrating the national health vision with local schemes, the BJP-led Odisha government has signaled both a commitment to public welfare and a readiness to align with broader national strategies. The move also sets a precedent for centrally-sponsored schemes overcoming political resistance at the state level.
Whether this healthcare transformation translates into sustained well-being and electoral goodwill remains to be seen, but for now, millions in Odisha have a reason to hope—and a health card in hand to prove it.
(With inputs from agencies)
