Odisha News: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Oct 18: Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced on Friday that approximately 3.5 crore individuals will benefit from the merger of the Centre’s flagship health insurance initiative, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), with the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (G-JAY). He stated that beneficiaries will receive a single health card under the integrated scheme.
When questioned about the timeline for the rollout of this integrated scheme in the state, the minister expressed optimism that it would be implemented by the end of the current financial year.
Regarding whether the total number of beneficiaries includes those already covered under the state-run insurance scheme, the minister explained that efforts are underway to create a comprehensive database of beneficiaries. A clearer picture will emerge following the completion of the e-KYC verification process for ration cards in the state.
Reports indicate that under the integrated scheme, male beneficiaries will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, while female beneficiaries will be covered for up to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, special provisions will be made for senior citizens aged 70 and above. The minister noted that 27,000 hospitals are set to be empaneled under the integrated scheme, a significant increase from the 900 hospitals previously empaneled under the state-run health initiative.
