Odisha govt launches third phase of BSKY Nabin Card, extending universal health coverage to rural families

BSKY Nabin Card

Continuing its commitment to ensuring universal health coverage, the Odisha State Government has launched the third phase of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) Nabin Card. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive health protection to all families in rural areas that were previously uncovered, emphasizing the state’s dedication to making healthcare a fundamental right for every citizen.

A Vision of Universal Health Coverage:

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his vision of a “Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha” (Healthy Odisha, Happy Odisha), highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare into a right that is accessible and affordable for all. The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, launched five years ago, initiated a revolutionary approach to health assurance in the state, with coverage expanding in phases to encompass the entire population.

Phases of BSKY:

The first phase of BSKY introduced free healthcare services in public health facilities for all individuals, irrespective of income or residence. The second phase extended coverage to include cashless healthcare in private facilities for all ration card holders. Currently, over 45 lakh individuals receive free healthcare at public facilities each month, with 1.3 lakh benefiting from cashless care in private hospitals, amounting to a significant monthly expenditure of Rs 260 crore.

Success and Impact of BSKY:

Over the past five years, BSKY has provided nearly 21 lakh patients with cashless healthcare, amounting to approximately Rs 4,500 crore spent in private hospitals alone. This unique model of universal health coverage seamlessly integrates the strengths of both the public and private sectors to offer comprehensive health assurance to the people of Odisha, making it a benchmark for similar initiatives across the nation.

BSKY Nabin Card:

With the launch of the third phase, all families in rural areas of Odisha (excluding regular government employees and income tax payees) who were not covered previously will now be eligible for the BSKY Nabin Card. This card ensures cashless care of Rs 5 lakh per annum, with an increased limit of up to Rs 10 lakh for women members of the family, in empanelled private hospitals both within and outside the state. The focus of this phase is to address critical illnesses and provide financial protection to vulnerable families.

Expanding Health Assurance:

The third phase is estimated to cover over 1.10 crore families, representing nearly 90% of the state’s population. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to leaving no family vulnerable to high healthcare expenditure, thereby advancing the overarching goal of “Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha.”

The launch of the BSKY Nabin Card in the third phase marks a significant stride towards achieving universal health coverage in Odisha. By incorporating the principles of accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, the state government’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana stands as a testament to its dedication to the well-being of its citizens, setting a precedent for comprehensive health assurance programs nationwide.