Bhubaneswar, April 5: Over 3.5 crore people in Odisha will be benefited by Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, which is set to launch on April 11 at a state-level event in Cuttack Bali Yatra Ground. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lead the launch, joined by Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Aswini Vaishnaw.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced that 1.3 crore families, totaling 3.5 crore individuals, will benefit from these health schemes. Unlike the previous health card, which covered only 900 hospitals, the new cards will be accepted at over 29,000 hospitals nationwide. Senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive the Vaya Vandana card under Ayushman Bharat, regardless of their financial status.
The new individual-based cards aim to improve healthcare access and financial security. The state expects increased central funding, potentially up to Rs 3,000 crore.
To raise awareness, a Swasthya Chetana Ratha will visit villages starting April 11, distributing leaflets and engaging ASHA workers. Beneficiaries can obtain their cards at Common Service Centres.
