Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY-GJAY) to establish dedicated 24×7 help desks for beneficiaries. The move is aimed at ensuring that Ayushman cardholders can access information, assistance and eligible healthcare services without difficulty.
The help desks will also facilitate access to free emergency treatment under PM-RAHAT, while hospitals have been instructed to comply with the digital health requirements prescribed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Hospitals Given August 31 Deadline For Digital Integration
The directive was issued by Brundha D, Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Assurance Society (SHAS), following a review meeting on the implementation of the health assurance schemes in private hospitals.
As part of the new requirements, empanelled hospitals have been asked to integrate four key systems with ABDM software by August 31.
These include:
- Hospital Management Information System (HMIS)
- ABHA-linked digital medical records of patients
- Healthcare Facility Registry
- Health Professional Registry
The integration is intended to strengthen digital health records, improve interoperability and make beneficiary services more efficient.
Hospitals Face Action For Non-Compliance
The government has warned empanelled hospitals that failure to complete the required digital integration within the stipulated deadline could have financial consequences.
Hospitals that fail to comply may have their Ayushman scheme incentives withheld. Continued non-compliance could also result in hospitals being removed from the empanelment list, according to the directive.
The move is aimed at ensuring that private and government healthcare institutions participating in the scheme follow the prescribed standards and provide seamless services to beneficiaries.
24×7 Ayushman Help Desks To Assist Cardholders
Under the AB-PMJAY guidelines, every empanelled hospital must establish an AB-PMJAY Help Desk at a prominent location near its main entrance.
Hospitals have been instructed to appoint Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (PMAMs) to operate these help desks and assist beneficiaries.
The help desks will remain functional around the clock and will provide assistance including:
- Identifying and registering eligible Ayushman cardholders
- Explaining treatment and healthcare facilities available under the scheme
- Guiding beneficiaries through the Ayushman process
- Providing necessary assistance during hospitalisation and treatment
- Helping beneficiaries access eligible scheme benefits
Focus On Better Healthcare Access
The Odisha government’s latest directive is aimed at improving the implementation of AB-PMJAY-GJAY and ensuring that beneficiaries receive timely assistance at empanelled hospitals.
The 24×7 help desk system, combined with greater adoption of digital health infrastructure, is expected to make it easier for Ayushman cardholders to access treatment and navigate hospital services.
With the August 31 deadline approaching, hospitals across Odisha will now have to complete the required digital integration and strengthen their beneficiary support systems to remain compliant with the government’s directives.
