Bhubaneswar, April 11 – Union Health Minister J P Nadda is set to begin a two-day visit to Odisha on Friday, marking the official launch of three major health insurance schemes in the state — Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
Major Healthcare Boost for Odisha Residents
Nadda will arrive in Bhubaneswar at approximately 1 PM before traveling to Cuttack to attend a high-profile launch event alongside Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Also in attendance will be Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, as well as State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, according to BJP state president Manmohan Samal.
These initiatives are expected to benefit around 3.5 crore residents — covering 1.03 crore families across Odisha. Beneficiaries will gain free, cashless treatment access at 29,000 empanelled government and private hospitals nationwide, a significant upgrade from the previous network of only 900 hospitals.
Scheme Highlights
- Ayushman Bharat & GJAY: Provide ₹5 lakh health insurance per family annually.
- Additional Coverage: Female family members receive an extra ₹5 lakh.
- Senior Citizen Boost: Families with a member aged 70 or older will be eligible for total coverage up to ₹15 lakh under the Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, regardless of income status.
Infrastructure Expansion and BJP Training Session
While in Cuttack, Nadda will also inaugurate the new building of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics, a significant step toward enhancing pediatric healthcare infrastructure in the region.
He is also scheduled to visit AIIMS Bhubaneswar and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) during his trip.
On Saturday morning, the Union Minister will formally inaugurate a three-day training session for all BJP MPs and MLAs, to be held in Puri from April 11 to April 13.
₹27,019 Crore Budget Allocation for Health
Last month, the Odisha state cabinet approved a budget of ₹27,019 crore for implementing the Ayushman Bharat and GJAY schemes over the next five years, signaling a significant commitment to universal healthcare access.
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