Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana Cobranded Cards Launched in Odisha; Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana Also Rolled Out

In a major boost to healthcare accessibility in Odisha, Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today jointly launched the cobranded cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (G-JAY) in Cuttack. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, aimed at covering senior citizens aged 70 and above, was also launched on the occasion.

Calling it a “historic day for Odisha”, Union Minister Shri Nadda said, “With this initiative, approximately 1.3 crore families — around 3.52 crore people of Odisha — will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health coverage programme.” He further informed that more than 8.19 crore individuals across the country have already availed benefits under the scheme, with the Government of India spending Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for treatment of the beneficiaries.

Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Shri Nadda noted that out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure in India has declined significantly — from 62% to 38% — since the launch of Ayushman Bharat. He also acknowledged Odisha’s active participation in the 100-day TB Intensified Elimination Programme, identifying 16,500 new cases, and noted that Rs. 1,411 crore have been allocated under PM ABHIM to strengthen the state’s health infrastructure.

The newly launched Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana will provide coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Shri Nadda explained that this inclusion builds upon previous expansions of the scheme which already covers ASHA and Anganwadi workers and their families.

Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi termed the event “another feather in Odisha’s development story” and stated that from today, every eligible Odia — both within and outside the state — can avail free healthcare under the scheme at empanelled hospitals. “This is a historic milestone for the people of Odisha,” he added.

Highlighting the state’s health sector progress, the Chief Minister shared that over 4,000 doctors have been appointed under his administration, with plans to appoint 5,000 more. He reiterated the state’s commitment to establish medical colleges in every district to enhance healthcare access across Odisha.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram emphasized the scheme’s positive impact on tribal communities, calling it a much-needed healthcare lifeline. State Health Minister Shri Mukesh Mahaling noted that 3.5 crore people in Odisha will receive health insurance cards under the cobranded scheme, and an additional 23 lakh elderly citizens will benefit under Ayushman Vaya Vandana.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and senior officials from both Union and State Governments.

With this launch, Odisha takes a significant step toward inclusive and accessible healthcare, further aligning with the vision of ‘Health for All’.