Kahani Aaj Kal || Odisha Launches Unified Health Coverage Scheme to Streamline Healthcare Access

Odisha Launches Unified Health Coverage Scheme to Streamline Healthcare Access

2025-04-16 12:33:57

Overview

On April 11, 2025, the Odisha government officially launched its Unified Health Coverage Scheme to consolidate access to multiple public healthcare initiatives under a single umbrella. This integrated scheme merges the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), BSKY Nabin Card, and national programs like Ayushman Bharat, aiming for seamless, transparent, and equitable healthcare delivery across the state.

Key Highlights

One Nation, One Health Card Vision

The scheme introduces a unified digital health card linked to Aadhaar and other ID databases. This digital initiative enables real-time tracking of medical services, reduces duplication of benefits, and improves healthcare delivery across Odisha’s public and private hospital networks.

Wider Inclusion & Portability

The coverage includes residents not paying income tax, targeting both rural and urban underprivileged populations. Additionally, the scheme ensures inter-state treatment portability through a network of empanelled hospitals, allowing access to specialized care outside Odisha if needed.

Digital Health Infrastructure

Powered by a robust digital health platform, the initiative connects hospitals for online validation of beneficiaries, treatment tracking, and claim processing. This infrastructure is designed to reduce fraud, delays, and improve service transparency.

Streamlining Benefits Delivery

The Health and Family Welfare Department stated that the integrated scheme will prevent overlaps in benefits and enable timely approvals for critical cases. The system also includes a grievance redressal mechanism for monitoring quality and resolving complaints.

Health Equity as a Priority

With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and accountability, the initiative aims to boost health indicators across the state, especially in underserved and remote areas, while also reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses for vulnerable citizens.