Odisha CM begins distribution of BSKY Smart Health Cards from tribal-dominated district

Malkangiri: In a historic move by Odisha Government in healthcare sector, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today distributed the smart health cards among the beneficiaries under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) from tribal-dominated Malkangiri district in the State.

The smart health cards were distributed during a programme at Sanskruti Bhawan in the district. A tribal woman belonging to Bonda community ‘Sukri Dhadanga Majhi’ was the first recipient of the health card from the CM at the event.

As many as 96 lakh households and 3.5 crore BSKY beneficiaries will get the smart health card. The healthcare facilities through the card will be availed at all government-run as well as private hospitals in the State with effect from September 1, 2021.

With launch of the health facilities, Odisha became the first State in India.

“It’s a historic, paradigm shift in the system of healthcare services in India, where a patient will get the best healthcare without any expense,” CM Naveen said at the event.

Highlighting the correlation between health and economy, he said, “Health is Wealth. If anyone in family falls sick, we get worried for the expenses that we bear at hospitals towards treatment for which someone sells his property or opts for loan. Even some stops education of children midway for treatment.”

“This Smart Health Card will help minimising additional pressure on households to bear treatment costs at hospitals, so that people can spend their savings on education of their children and other household work,” Patnaik said.

The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana was launched on 15th August, 2018 to provide universal health coverage, with special emphasis on the health protection of economically vulnerable families.

Through the smart health card under the healthcare scheme, each family can avail treatment cost upto Rs 5 lakh per annum (Rs 10 lakh for women members).

All Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana card holders, BPL card holders, AAY card holders and low income families are covered under this benefit.