Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the BSKY Nabin Card scheme in the state, marking a significant milestone in improving healthcare accessibility for rural communities. The initiative, part of the state government’s 5T (Transparency, Technology, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation) agenda, aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to villagers, excluding regular government employees and income taxpayers.
In his address during the launch event, Chief Minister Patnaik reaffirmed his commitment to the well-being of every citizen of Odisha, stating, “All the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are my family. I have always been and always will be in your happiness and sorrow. Your happiness is my happiness.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of healthcare in fostering a prosperous society, the Chief Minister emphasized his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the state’s residents. The BSKY Nabin Card initiative, an extension of the existing Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), seeks to extend cashless medical benefits to more families across the state.
Under the BSKY, over one crore families, constituting 80% of the state’s population, currently receive medical benefits of up to Rs 10 lakh for women and Rs 5 lakh for other family members. The scheme has facilitated treatment for approximately 130,000 beneficiaries at 816 registered private hospitals each month, with the state government allocating over Rs 270 crore for this purpose.
The BSKY Nabin Card initiative aims to expand the coverage of healthcare benefits to additional families, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of the existing scheme.
VK Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing health protection to all residents of the state. He expressed gratitude to the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Information Technology for the timely implementation of the scheme.
The decision to launch the BSKY Nabin Card stemmed from the Chief Minister’s interaction with deprived individuals during his district visits, where many expressed the need for inclusion in the healthcare scheme. Inspired by the principle that every life is precious, the Chief Minister responded to these requests by initiating the scheme to extend healthcare benefits to more rural families.
Prominent dignitaries and officials, including government ministers and district representatives, lauded the Chief Minister’s initiatives in healthcare and applauded Odisha’s progress under his leadership. They expressed confidence that the BSKY Nabin Card would further solidify the state’s commitment to inclusive development and welfare.
Shalini Pandit, Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, extended a warm welcome during the launch event, while the CEO of BSKY Society conveyed a vote of thanks, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving the initiative forward.
