Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government has authorized 73 additional state-specific treatment packages under the ABPMJAY-GJAY plan, increasing the total number of packages in the state to 2,163, which is a significant boost to cashless healthcare. The decision intends to assure continued care for recipients across cancer, hematology, and ophthalmology. The declaration came during an Empowered Committee meeting led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at the Lok Seva Bhawan today. Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Aswathy S, discussed critical issues in the program, while Dr. Brundha D, Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Assurance Society, offered updates on ongoing projects.
Reviewing the progress of the programme, Chief Secretary Ahuja emphasised the need for strict enforcement to prevent suspicious claims, non-compliance by empanelled hospitals, and fraudulent practices. The committee also discussed the introduction of 121 new oncology packages and revision of rates for 55 existing packages, as recommended by the medico-expert committee.
The redesignation of 1,009 Swasthya Mitras (SMs) as Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (PMAMs), the phased implementation of ABPMJAY-GJAY in government health facilities, and the offline settlement of claims for dependent children aged 6–18 whose names did not appear on the IT platform during the transition from GJAY to the combined program are among the other important measures that have been approved. Additionally, the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has been granted an interest-free revolving fund of Rs 10 lakh to offer high-end, cashless diagnostic services for cancer patients.
Members of the committee highlighted that these initiatives, while extending the outreach of the universal health plan, would also boost public satisfaction. Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Principal Secretary of Finance Sanjeeb Mishra, Principal Secretary of Electronics and IT Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Sanjay Kumar Singh, along with other top officers and experts, participated in the deliberations.
