Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday warned of strict action against hospitals, empanelled under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the state-run Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), if found refusing treatment to patients.
“All issues related to the health scheme are being examined and will be resolved soon,” he told reporters.
Private hospitals across Odisha had earlier expressed concern over implementation of the scheme, citing a slew of operational and financial issues. There were also reports that homeless individuals, landless families, and informal workers were unable to access the benefits for lack of identity or eligibility documents.
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Mahaling clarified that individuals under five categories have been included under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. “Those covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA), State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) can avail the benefits. Naveen and ration cards also serve as proof of eligibility,” he said.
The Minister further stated that the government is leveraging digital infrastructure to bridge any gaps. “e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification was conducted during ration card drives and those left out will soon be linked to the health scheme,” he said.
He added that technical glitches related to PAN-India card integration and OTP (One-Time Password) verification are also being reviewed.
