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Bhubaneswar: The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) of the Odisha Government is better than the Central Government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, State Health Minister Niranjan Pujari said today at ‘The Health Conclave’ organized by Kanak News here.
“The BSKY is getting appreciated by the people of Odisha. The poor are receiving cashless health service. The health coverage amount for women is double in BSKY. The State Government has made significant budgetary allocation in this regard. The projected money for this year is Rs 3237 crore. The scheme covers various sectors,” the minister said.
If a BSKY beneficiary is admitted to a big hospital, money will be deducted from the card on daily basis while he/ she can easily avail cashless treatment, said Pujari.
“Efforts are being made to provide private hospitals-like services at government hospitals in Odisha. As many as 149 government hospitals are being converted to ‘Ama Hospitals’ with better infrastructure and healthcare services. BSKY scheme combined with free treatment at government hospitals is sufficient for the people,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of shortage of doctors in the state, the minister said, “Around 4000 doctors and 9000 nurses and paramedics were recently given appointment in government hospitals and medical colleges. Around 2500 doctors and 1000 specialists pass out from medical colleges of Odisha, every yar. We are carrying out appointments, every year. The vacant posts will be filled in the coming days.”
On being asked about the alleged delay in arrival of ambulances, Pujari said, “The current strength of ‘108 Ambulance’ fleet in the state is around 1500. We are trying to improve it as more ambulances are being added to the fleet. Earlier, ambulances were taking around 30 minutes to reach a patient. Efforts are on to reduce the time to 20 minutes.”
Under the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana of Odisha Government, roads are being constructed to improve connectivity in remote areas to facilitate healthcare services, he added.
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