Senior citizens Ayushman Bharat Odisha is preparing to enhance healthcare access for its senior citizens by implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Gopabandhu Arogya Yojana. This initiative will provide health cards to residents by March 2025, allowing them to access medical services at over 27,000 empanelled hospitals across the country.
On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually launch the expanded version of AB-PMJAY Senior citizens Ayushman Bharat. This rollout is expected to significantly improve healthcare accessibility for approximately 3.5 crore residents in Odisha. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced that senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive an additional annual coverage of ₹5 lakh, exclusively for their medical needs. This new provision replaces the previous Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and aims to provide a comprehensive safety net for the elderly population.
The unified health card will simplify the process for beneficiaries, allowing them to avail services under both schemes seamlessly. Mahaling stated that this initiative is a crucial step in ensuring social security for Odisha’s aging population, enabling them to receive necessary medical attention without financial burden.
In addition to launching the health cards, PM Modi will inaugurate an Ayurvedic hospital in Jatni, a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna, and a critical care unit in Bargarh on National Ayurveda Day. These developments reflect the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and promoting traditional medicine alongside modern healthcare solutions.
The integration of AB-PMJAY with the state’s Gopabandhu Arogya Yojana signifies a major shift in Odisha’s healthcare landscape. Previously, only 950 healthcare units were available under state-sponsored schemes; this expansion will increase access dramatically, ensuring that more citizens can receive essential medical services.
As preparations continue for the rollout of these programs, Odisha’s government is actively working with the Union Health Ministry to finalize the necessary modalities. The health department is also conducting e-KYC processes for ration card holders to accurately identify eligible beneficiaries.
This comprehensive approach not only aims to improve healthcare access but also highlights the government’s dedication to supporting its elderly population. With this initiative, Odisha is poised to transform its healthcare system and provide much-needed relief to senior citizens who often face challenges in accessing affordable medical care
