Healthcare is a fundamental right, but for many economically vulnerable families in India, access to quality healthcare remains a distant dream. Recognizing this issue, the Odisha government has launched the Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing essential healthcare facilities and medical coverage to those in need.
What is Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana 2023?
The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is a comprehensive healthcare scheme designed to uplift the lives of economically disadvantaged families. Under this scheme, the government offers health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
It is specifically for secondary and tertiary treatment processes. This includes vital procedures that can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
Key Features and Objectives:
- Financial Assistance: The scheme provides essential financial assistance to those who need it the most. The Rs 5 lakh coverage per annum per family can be a lifeline for families grappling with health-related expenses.
- Cashless Treatment: Access to quality healthcare is essential. Through this scheme, cashless treatment is extended to approximately 3.5 crore beneficiaries, which amounts to around 70 lakh families across the state. This is a significant step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to necessary medical care.
- Inclusivity: A remarkable aspect of the Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is its inclusivity. It transcends income, residence, and status. Anyone who visits a state government health institution, from the district level to the sub-center, can receive healthcare services free of cost.
- Additional Support for Women: Recognizing the unique healthcare needs of women, the scheme goes a step further. Women beneficiaries receive an additional health insurance cover of Rs 2,00,000. This uplifts their access to essential health services.
Components of the BSKY Yojana
- Free Health Care Services: Under this scheme, the government provides free healthcare services without discrimination. These services are available from sub-centers to district headquarters, ensuring accessibility for all.
- Health Insurance: Families from economically weaker sections are offered health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh annually, with women members receiving Rs 7 lakh annually. This is a significant step in providing financial security to families in need.
- Drop Back Assistance: Pregnant women and sick infants receive Rs 500 for transportation after delivery or treatment. This financial support ensures that beneficiaries can safely return home after hospital visits.
Facilities Provided Under BSKY Scheme
The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana offers a range of healthcare facilities, including free healthcare services in government institutions, free medicines, diagnostic services, free dialysis, cancer chemotherapy, free operation theater usage, free access to intensive care units, inpatient services, and health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family and Rs 7 lakh for women members.
Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana Guidelines and Impact
The scheme covers pre-existing diseases and eliminates the need for beneficiaries to pay any premiums. The Odisha government covers all premium expenses. Moreover, the scheme extends its benefits to those living outside the state. A total of 20 super-specialty hospitals and approximately 4,036 medical packages have been included. Patients with cancer, heart issues, or kidney diseases can avail themselves of up to Rs 3 lakh in treatment costs, compared to the previous Rs 1 lakh limit.
In a significant step towards providing equitable healthcare, even patients belonging to the Above Poverty Line (APL) or Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories can access free blood bank facilities.
Benefits and Features of Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana
The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) is a significant healthcare initiative aimed at uplifting economically vulnerable families. Let’s explore the benefits and features of this scheme:
- Health Insurance Coverage: Under BSKY, the Odisha Government offers a substantial health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. This financial safety net is vital for families dealing with healthcare expenses.
- Coverage for Secondary and Tertiary Treatment: The insurance cover encompasses secondary and tertiary treatments, including critical procedures and services.
- Wide Beneficiary Base: Approximately 3.5 crore beneficiaries, or 70 lakh families, are expected to benefit from this scheme. It targets a substantial portion of the population, ensuring broad coverage.
- Universal Access to Healthcare: One of the most significant features is the universal access to healthcare. All individuals visiting government healthcare institutions will receive free treatment, regardless of their income, residence, or social status.
- Additional Benefit for Women: Women beneficiaries receive an extra health insurance cover of Rs 2,00,000, acknowledging the specific healthcare needs of women.
- Commencement Date: The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana was initiated on 15th August 2018, marking a crucial step towards better healthcare.
- Cashless Treatment: Citizens of Odisha can avail themselves of cashless treatment in government and empanelled private hospitals, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder necessary medical care.
- Claim Settlement through Insurance Companies: The claim settlement process is facilitated through insurance companies, streamlining the reimbursement process.
- Empanelled Hospitals: To extend better healthcare facilities, the government is planning to expand the list of empanelled hospitals beyond Odisha. Currently, there are around 200 private hospitals within Odisha and approximately 20 super-specialty hospitals outside the state.
- Third-Party Audit: To ensure proper implementation of the scheme, the government is set to conduct a third-party audit. This measure enhances transparency and accountability.
- Package Offerings: The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana offers a comprehensive package, including around 4,036 healthcare procedures, significantly enhancing the scope of services.
Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana Eligibility Criteria
For free healthcare services at government healthcare institutions, all beneficiaries are eligible, regardless of income, status, or residence. For health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family and Rs 7 lakh for women members, the following categories of citizens are eligible:
- Applicants must be residents of Odisha.
- Holders of Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana cards.
- Holders of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana cards.
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) cardholders.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana cardholders.
- Families with an annual income below Rs 50,000 in rural areas and below Rs 60,000 in urban areas.
Required Documents:
To avail the benefits of the Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, the following documents may be required:
- Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana card
- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana card
- BPL card
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana card
- Income certificate
What is the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Application Procedure 2023?
To apply for the Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- Click on “Apply Online” on the homepage.
- Enter the required details, such as your name, address, phone number, etc.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Click “Submit” to complete your application.
- Before final submission, review all details carefully.
How to View an Organisation Chart?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- Click on “Organisation Chart” on the homepage.
- View the organization chart for a better understanding of the scheme’s structure.
List of Empanelled Hospitals under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana
- Go to the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- Click on “Empanelled Hospitals” on the homepage.
- Access the list of all empanelled hospitals to find the nearest healthcare facility.
The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is a transformative initiative that ensures healthcare access for all, focusing on the well-being of the economically vulnerable sections of society. It stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and providing a healthier future for Odisha.
How to Access Important Resources and Information for Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana?
The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana provides valuable resources and information for beneficiaries. Here’s how you can access key documents and details:
How to Download a Citizen Charter?
- Visit the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana official website.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “Citizen Charter.”
- A new page will appear, presenting various options.
- Select the option of your choice.
- A PDF file will open.
- Click on the download option to save the Citizen Charter.
How to Download Office Orders?
- Go to the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- In the menu bar, click on “Office Orders.”
- A new page will appear, offering various options.
- Choose the specific option you need.
- A PDF file will be displayed.
- Click on the download option to save the office orders.
How to View Block Wise List of Cardholders?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “Block Wise List of BKKY-I and BKKY-II Cardholders.”
- A new page will appear, where you can view the block-wise list of cardholders.
How to View List of District Coordinators and Protocol Managers?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “District Coordinator and Protocol Manager Contacts.”
- A new page will appear, displaying the list of district coordinators and protocol managers.
What is the procedure to give feedback?
- Go to the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “Feedback Form.”
- A new page will appear.
- Enter the required details, including your name, mobile number, subject, email address, district, category, message, address, and captcha code.
- Click “Submit” to provide feedback.
How to View Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana Contact Details?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “Contact Us.”
- A new page will appear, presenting contact details for your reference.
How to Download Scheme Guidelines?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “Schemes.”
- A new page will appear, displaying guidelines for Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana in both Odia and English languages.
- Choose your preferred language.
- The required information will be available for viewing.
How to View Details About News and Events?
- Visit the official website of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- The homepage will open.
- Click on “News and Events.”
- A list of news and events will appear.
- Select the specific option you’re interested in to access the relevant information.
Conclusion
The Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is a commendable initiative by the government of Odisha to ensure healthcare for all, regardless of their financial status. By providing financial assistance and comprehensive health coverage, the scheme aims to make quality healthcare accessible to the neediest citizens.
This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and safeguarding the well-being of its people. In the journey towards a healthier, more prosperous Odisha, the Odisha Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is a significant milestone.