Odisha govt implements Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY) replacing Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY)

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has announced a significant rebranding and financial boost for its flagship health insurance scheme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).

Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) will be known as Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY) which will be implemented in convergence with centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana. While Rs 5450 crore has been allocated for GJAY, Rs 500 crore has been provisioned for implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.

Presenting the annual budget, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced to implement the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in the state.

A Renewed Commitment to Healthcare

The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, now operating under its new name, continues to focus on providing comprehensive health coverage to the residents of Odisha. This rebranding aims to create a renewed identity for the scheme, emphasizing its importance and the government’s dedication to ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Financial Allocation and Its Implications

The allocation of over 5450 crore in the state budget underscores the government’s prioritization of health services. This significant financial boost is expected to enhance the overall efficiency and reach of the scheme.

Key Features of the Scheme

The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana has been instrumental in providing free healthcare services to millions of residents in Odisha. Key features of the scheme include:

Free Health Services: The scheme offers free medical services to patients in government hospitals and select private hospitals.

Insurance Coverage: It provides health insurance coverage for families, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality healthcare.

Special Focus on Women and Children: The scheme includes special provisions for the healthcare needs of women and children, aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

Emergency Health Services: BSKY covers emergency health services, ensuring timely medical intervention during critical situations.

Impact on Healthcare Accessibility

The rebranding and increased budget allocation are expected to significantly impact healthcare accessibility in Odisha. With more funds, the government can expand the network of hospitals and healthcare providers under the scheme, improve medical facilities, and ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment. This initiative is likely to lead to better health outcomes, especially for the economically weaker sections of society who rely heavily on government healthcare services.