Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday directed major private hospitals across the state to establish dedicated help desks for beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana to improve access to healthcare services and ensure smoother patient assistance.
The directions were issued during a high-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan, where officials reviewed the implementation of the two health insurance schemes and discussed measures to enhance patient care and service delivery, Cabinet Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said in a post X.
Hospitals were instructed to ensure that all diagnostic tests conducted up to three days before a patient’s admission are provided free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat package. The government also urged healthcare institutions to maintain a patient-centric approach and treat beneficiaries with dignity, respect, and compassion.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that patients visit hospitals with the expectation of recovery and quality treatment. Authorities stressed that providing advanced medical care must be complemented by empathetic and respectful behaviour towards patients and their families.
The government called upon hospitals and concerned authorities to remain vigilant in ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the full benefits of the health schemes without inconvenience.
The meeting was attended by the health secretary, the State NHM Director, senior officials of the Health Department, and representatives of leading private hospitals in Odisha.
