• Odisha has launched a new health insurance scheme by merging:
    • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) [Central]
    • Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) [State]
  • Aimed at enhancing healthcare access and extending coverage across the state

Background

  • Odisha was one of the few states that had not implemented Ayushman Bharat earlier.
  • Previous government claimed GJAY was superior.
  • 2024 elections: Non-implementation was a major issue raised by BJP.
  • New government committed to the merger of both schemes.

Objectives

  • Provide health coverage to 3.5 crore people from over 1 crore families.
  • Each family gets ₹5 lakh/year health coverage.
  • Women beneficiaries entitled to an additional ₹5 lakh, promoting gender equity.
    • Total for such families: ₹10 lakh/year.