Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to Launch Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Odisha
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda is set to begin a two-day visit to Odisha on Friday, during which he will officially launch the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, along with other key health initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare coverage.

Nadda is expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar around 1 PM and will then proceed to Cuttack for a special event. He will be joined by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other senior officials and dignitaries to inaugurate three significant health insurance schemes — the central government’s Ayushman Bharat, the Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, and the state-specific Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).

These schemes are expected to collectively benefit approximately 3.5 crore people across Odisha, providing them with access to essential healthcare services and financial protection during medical emergencies.

Speaking ahead of the launch, BJP state president Manmohan Samal emphasized the importance of the schemes in addressing healthcare needs across rural and urban areas alike. “This is a transformative step in strengthening Odisha’s health infrastructure and ensuring that no citizen is left behind when it comes to healthcare access,” he said.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, aims to provide free health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana is expected to focus on the healthcare needs of senior citizens, while GJAY will cater specifically to the state’s vulnerable population.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s healthcare journey, bringing the state closer to the goal of universal health coverage.