The smart cards issued to people under the Odisha government's flagship programme Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) has failed to benefit the needy at various hospitals in the State.
State Health Minister Naba Das admitted to reports in connection with the failure of the healthcare scheme on Monday while replying to a couple of questions by the Opposition raising a finger at the performance of the BSKY.
Das, however, preferred to shift the blame on the ‘communication gaps’ with various hospitals as the primary reason behind the anomalies.
The Health Minister however clarified that the government is keen on addressing the situation and even include more hospitals for empanelment under the scheme.
A total of 315 hospitals in Odisha and 15 hospitals outside the State will be included under the BSKy scheme, said Das.
Notably, the Odisha government has come under intense criticism by the Opposition flanks over the failure of BSKY cards in providing succour to people at several hospitals.
Congress MLA Adhiraj Panigrahy on Monday told the State Assembly that many patients are enduring immeasurable pains as they are unable to reap the benefits of the BSKY cards at various hospitals in the State and outside.
Citing some instances in Nuapada district, Panigrahy said many well-known private hospitals have been denying people of availing treatment using BSKY facilities because of problems in getting disbursement from the Odisha government.
Similarly, BJP MLA Mukesh Mahaling alleged that patients are not able to avail OPD services using the BSKY cards.
The development comes a day after Chief Minister issued a note of thanks following the Governor's inaugural address in the Assembly wherein the former said that around 96 lakh families in the State are being provided BSKY card benefits. Patnaik also lauded his government machinery for successfully tackling the Covid pandemic in the State.