Odisha Launches Third Phase of Health Scheme to Extend Coverage to Rural Families

Odisha Launches Third Phase of Health Scheme to Extend Coverage to Rural Families

VoM News Desk | December 29, 2023 | 03:59 PM IST | Health, India, Odisha | Follow on Google News

Odisha Launches Third Phase of Health Scheme to Extend Coverage to Rural Families

Odisha Launches Third Phase of Health Scheme to Extend Coverage to Rural Families

The Odisha government has initiated the third phase of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), aiming to provide cashless healthcare in private hospitals for critical ailments to rural families not previously covered by the first two phases.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the expansion, stating that rural families in Odisha, excluding regular government employees and income tax payees, will now be eligible for the “BSKY Nabin Card.” This card entitles them to receive up to Rs 5 lakh annually (up to Rs 10 lakh for women members) for critical illnesses in empaneled private hospitals within and outside the state.

With this latest phase, an estimated 1.10 crore families, covering nearly 90% of the state’s population, will gain health assurance through BSKY. Patnaik emphasized the slogan “Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha,” highlighting the aim to achieve universal health coverage for Odisha’s people.

The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, launched five years ago, aimed to revolutionize health assurance. Initially, it provided free healthcare in public health facilities to all individuals, regardless of income or residence. Subsequently, the second phase extended cashless healthcare in private facilities to all ration card holders.

The Chief Minister outlined the substantial impact of BSKY, stating that over 45 lakh individuals receive free healthcare monthly in public facilities, while 1.3 lakh individuals benefit from cashless care in empaneled private hospitals, totaling Rs 260 crores each month.

Highlighting the scheme’s achievements, Patnaik noted that BSKY has delivered cashless healthcare worth around Rs 4,500 crore to approximately 21 lakh patients over five years in private hospitals alone. He described BSKY as a distinctive model for universal health coverage, leveraging both public and private sectors to ensure comprehensive health assurance.

Patnaik emphasized that the third phase aims to eliminate vulnerability among families by providing financial resources to meet high healthcare expenses, thus fulfilling the commitment of universal health coverage for Odisha’s people.

VoM News Desk

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