BHUBANESHWAR: In a major step aimed at ensuring healthcare access for all, the Odisha government has initiated the third phase of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). This phase targets families residing in rural areas of the state who were previously not included in the first two phases of the scheme. The primary objective is to offer cashless medical care in private hospitals for critical illnesses.

This expansion of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is anticipated to cover approximately 90% of the state's population. The program, introduced five years ago, has revolutionized healthcare accessibility for the people of Odisha, according to the state government.

Under the BSKY, the initial phase provided cost-free services in public health facilities for all individuals, regardless of their income or place of residence. In the subsequent phase, the scheme extended cashless healthcare benefits in private medical facilities to all ration card holders.

As per the Chief Minister, over 45 lakh individuals receive free healthcare monthly at public health facilities, while 1.3 lakh people benefit from cashless care, amounting to Rs 260 crores each month in empaneled private hospitals. Notably, in the last five years, the BSKY has facilitated cashless healthcare worth about Rs 4,500 crore specifically in private hospitals for nearly 21 lakh patients.

The Chief Minister highlighted the unique approach of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana in providing comprehensive health assurance by leveraging both public and private healthcare sectors. He emphasized that the third phase of expansion aims to eliminate financial vulnerability for families during critical illnesses, fulfilling the promise of universal health coverage for the people of Odisha.

The latest phase rollout will ensure that all families in rural Odisha, excluding regular government employees and income taxpayers, receive the "BSKY Nabin Card." This card will entitle them to cashless medical care of up to Rs 5 lakh annually (up to Rs 10 lakh for women family members) for identified critical illnesses in empaneled private hospitals within and outside the state.

The Chief Minister estimated that this phase would cover over 1.10 crore families, encompassing nearly 90% of the state's population, providing them with health assurance under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the motto "Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha" has been the guiding principle behind healthcare initiatives in the state, expressing his long-standing commitment to ensuring universal health coverage for the people of Odisha.

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