Odisha to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme by this year: Minister Mahaling

The Centre's health coverage scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be implemented in Odisha by the end of the current financial year, a state minister said here on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch AB-PMJAY for all citizens aged 70 years and above across the country on Tuesday.Odisha will also adopt it, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said. The previous BJD government did not implement the central scheme in Odisha. The BJD had launched its health assurance scheme, the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) which was renamed Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (G-JAY) by the BJP government. Speaking to media persons here, Mahaling said around 3.5 crore out of 4.5 crore people in Odisha will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Besides, the process is on to identify beneficiaries of 70 years and above, he said. "We have already started preparation for its implementation in our state. A budgetary provision of Rs 3,500 c