The Naveen Patnaik-led government in Odisha has extended the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) to provide free health coverage to all rural families, except income tax payees and regular government employees, in preparation for the 2024 elections. The expansion includes 14 lakh families without ration cards, bringing the total number of families covered to 1.10 crore or 90% of the state's population. The new beneficiaries will receive a new card called 'BSKY Nabin Card' and will have access to cashless care in private hospitals for critical ailments. This card entitles them to receive up to Rs 5 lakh per year (up to Rs 10 lakh for women) for identified critical illnesses. The BSKY scheme aims to ensure universal health coverage for the people of Odisha.
