Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling pledged to swiftly address all issues concerning the Ayushman Bharat card within the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Speaking at a national-level Chintan Shivir in Bhubaneswar, Mahaling highlighted the significant impact of ABPMJAY on healthcare, emphasizing its role as the world’s largest universal healthcare system.
Mahaling noted that ABPMJAY, a product of the National Health Policy-2017 initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has positively transformed the healthcare landscape in India. He mentioned that 42% of the country’s underprivileged population has been incorporated into this healthcare framework, marking a substantial achievement.
The Health Minister revealed that Odisha had swiftly implemented ABPMJAY, ranking first in distributing ABPMJAY cards and fifth in generating Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana (AVVY) cards for senior citizens aged 70 and above. He underscored the state’s integration of ABPMJAY with its own scheme, Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY), ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for eligible families.
Mahaling encouraged discussions at the Chintan Shivir on the potential inclusion of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic treatments in ABPMJAY alongside allopathic services. He also announced the commencement of ABDM implementation in Odisha, aligning with the National Health Authority’s guidelines for effective execution.
The two-day Chintan Shivir in Odisha features multiple sessions, including technical discussions and the signing of crucial memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to enhance healthcare services and standards.
