Odisha Adopts AB PM-JAY, Enhances Healthcare Coverage

The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Ministry of Health signed a MoU with Odisha’s State Health Agency to integrate AB PM-JAY with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).

Odisha has officially joined the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), becoming the 34th state to implement the scheme.

The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Ministry of Health signed a MoU with Odisha’s State Health Agency to integrate AB PM-JAY with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).

The scheme was launched in a ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other state and Union Ministers.

AB PM-JAY, in convergence with GJAY, will provide annual health coverage of INR 5 Lakh per family, with an additional INR 5 Lakh for women members. Around 1.03 Cr families will benefit, with 67.8 lakh families supported by the Union Government.

Mohan Charan Majhi said, “People from our state, previously receiving treatment in around 900 empaneled hospitals, will now have access to cashless and quality treatment in over 29,000 government and private hospitals. This integration will transform the health status of 86% of Odisha’s population.”

At the event, Union Health Minister Nadda said, “AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage scheme and the fastest to be implemented since conception. Since its inception, 8.19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded, with ₹1.13 lakh crore spent on providing healthcare to marginalized sections of society.”

He also emphasized the scheme’s impact on remote areas.

“Hospital admissions have significantly increased in far-flung and disturbed areas. Even in Naxal-affected districts like Bastar and Bijapur, admissions have seen a notable rise of 4.3%. Nearly 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties, including major surgeries like bypass and knee replacements, are covered under AB PM-JAY.”

The scheme aims to drive digital healthcare expansion across Odisha.

CM Dharmendra Pradhan said, “This MoU is a new beginning in Odisha’s healthcare development story. It will benefit 4.5 crore families and significantly boost the state health index.”