Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, announced that his government will provide smart health cards under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.

Key Points:

=> Smart health cards will be provided to 3.5 crore people in 96 lakh families in the state.

=> Beneficiaries of national & state food security schemes and Annapurna and Antyodaya initiatives will be provided these cards.

=> Under it, women can avail treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per year.

=> Other family members will get the benefit of up to Rs 5 lakh each.

=> According to the CM, Odisha is the first state in India to provide such smart health cards.

Where this service can be availed?

Health card beneficiaries can avail health services across 200 hospital chains in India including in Odisha. This will strengthen the health security for the people.

Why this initiative was launched?

This initiative was launched in the backdrop of people selling land and valuables or dropping their children out of schools to arrange the treatment costs. Under it, people will get distress free and hassle-free treatment to at best available health care facilities.

Annapurna Scheme:

Annapurna Scheme was launched in April, 2000 with the aim of providing food security to meet requirement of those senior citizens who remained uncovered under National Old Age Pension Scheme. It covers 20% of persons eligible to receive pension under NOAPS. Central assistance is provided to beneficiaries having age of 65 years or above. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are provided 10 Kg. of food grains per month free of cost.

Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana:

It is a universal health coverage scheme, covering around 70 lakhs families. It was launched by chief minister of Odisha and 250 crore was sanctioned for this scheme. Under it, a cashless healthcare assistance will be provided. It will provide an annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakhs to every family and 7 lakhs per women members of every family.