Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a health for all scheme, on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday. The scheme provides health assurance coverage to 70 lakh families, covering more than 70% of the State’s population, said Mr. Patnaik in his speech at the function held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here.
Later, Mr. Patnaik went to the Capital Hospital where he inaugurated the BSKY Help Desk, released its logo and distributed the BSKY cards to the beneficiaries.
It may be recalled that the Odisha government had rejected the National Health Protection Scheme as it covered much lesser number of people in Odisha by adopting the 2011 census. The State government went ahead with its own scheme with a coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year per family. The amount is ₹7 lakh per family with women members.
‘Welfare of all’
In his address, Mr. Patnaik said the BSKY will be implemented with the money of the people of the State for “Healthy Odisha, Happy Odisha" regardless of the cooperation or non-cooperation of anyone.
Stating that his government has been focusing on welfare of all, particularly farmers, women and youth, Mr. Patnaik said these sections are being provided loan at 1% interest.
Mr. Patnaik said the State had progressed in all sectors, with emphasis on infrastructure development, social security and empowerment of people.
After successfully hosting the Asian Athletics Championships last year, Odisha is all set to host the World Cup Hockey in November this year, he added.
Rain alert
The march-past at the Independence Day celebrations was curtailed with the omission of contingents from educational institutions due to forecast of heavy rain accompanied by lightning.
There was a light drizzle when Mr. Patnaik spoke at the event after taking salute at the parade, but the weather had cleared by the time he concluded.
Independence Day celebrations were held across the State despite rains in many parts during the morning hours. Six southern districts — Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati — recorded maximum rainfall.
Two women died due to lighting in Angul district. The tragedy struck when they were working in paddy fields.
