Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has clarified that beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme are entitled to a broader range of healthcare services than many people realise, including diagnostic tests conducted before hospital admission and medical support after discharge.
Speaking during a public interaction programme, the Minister said the scheme covers all medical tests conducted up to three days prior to hospital admission. In addition, patients can avail themselves of treatment-related healthcare services for up to 15 days after discharge, ensuring continuity of care and reducing financial burden on families.
Pre-Admission and Post-Discharge Benefits Explained
According to the Minister, eligible beneficiaries can receive coverage for:
- Diagnostic tests conducted up to three days before admission
- Hospitalisation expenses under the scheme
- Follow-up treatment and medical care for up to 15 days after discharge
- Other approved treatment-related services as per Ayushman Bharat guidelines
He emphasized that these provisions are designed to provide comprehensive healthcare support and prevent patients from incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Hospitals Directed to Follow Scheme Guidelines
Mahaling stated that all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat programme are required to provide the benefits mandated under the scheme.
The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against any empanelled hospital found denying services or violating scheme guidelines.
He urged beneficiaries to be aware of their entitlements and report any irregularities to the authorities.
Dialysis Services to Expand Across Odisha
In another major healthcare announcement, the Minister revealed that the Odisha government is planning to expand dialysis facilities to all Community Health Centres (CHCs) across the state.
Currently, dialysis services are available only in selected centres. The proposed expansion aims to improve access to treatment for patients suffering from kidney-related ailments, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
The initiative is expected to:
- Reduce travel distances for dialysis patients
- Improve access to life-saving treatment
- Strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure
- Lower treatment-related expenses for families
Focus on Strengthening Public Healthcare
The Health Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the state government to improve healthcare delivery and public health services.
He noted that expanding medical facilities, improving healthcare accessibility and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes remain key priorities of the government.
During the discussion, Mahaling also highlighted the government’s efforts in women’s empowerment through schemes such as Subhadra Yojana and initiatives aimed at creating “Lakhpati Didis” by promoting economic self-reliance among women.
Boost for Healthcare Access in Odisha
The announcements are expected to benefit thousands of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries across Odisha by increasing awareness about available healthcare coverage and improving access to essential services.
With plans to expand dialysis facilities and stricter enforcement of Ayushman Bharat guidelines, the state government aims to strengthen healthcare delivery while ensuring that eligible patients receive the benefits they are entitled to under the scheme.
