Private hospitals must not neglect patients with Ayushman card: Odisha Health Minister issues stern warning

In a strong directive to private hospitals across Odisha, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Tuesday warned that any negligence towards patients holding Ayushman Bharat health cards will attract strict legal action. 

Addressing concerns over alleged denial or delay in treatment to cardholders, the Minister emphasized that there is no ambiguity in the validity or use of the Ayushman card.

What Minister Said?

The State Health Minister clarified that certain technical glitches—particularly related to PAN-India card integration and OTP (One-Time Password) verification—are under review and active resolution.

“Discussions are underway to resolve these issues and ensure seamless service delivery,” the Minister added.

Regarding the demands from private hospitals to increase treatment package rates under the scheme, Mahaling confirmed that the matter is being seriously considered. The Odisha government is evaluating feedback from various stakeholders, including patients and hospital administrators, to arrive at a balanced solution that benefits all.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible patient is denied treatment due to administrative or technical hurdles. The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide cashless and quality healthcare to the economically weaker sections, and the state government is closely monitoring its proper implementation.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) — launched by the central government with the goal of providing health insurance coverage. 

In recent weeks, reports have emerged pointing out large sections of economically weaker populations, particularly homeless individuals, landless families, and informal workers, are unable to access the benefits due to the absence of identity or eligibility documents.
In a media interaction, Minister Mahaling clarified the Odisha government’s position and efforts to make the scheme more inclusive. 

“There is no confusion regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha. We are holding detailed reviews and discussions at the government level to address each and every issue. Wherever gaps exist, we are working to resolve them efficiently,” said the minister.

One of the key challenges highlighted by civil society groups and opposition leaders is how the scheme will reach the marginalized sections of society who may not possess traditional identity cards or proof of residence. Responding to this, the minister said the government has already created a framework to ensure broader inclusion.

Minister Explains…

He explained, “Under the current system, individuals who possess any of the following five identity cards are already included under the Ayushman Bharat scheme: National Food Security Act (NFSA) card, State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) card, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card, Naveen Card, and the Ration Card. These cards serve as proof of eligibility, and such families have been enrolled seamlessly.”

However, recognizing that some truly needy individuals may not have these cards, Mahaling added that the government is leveraging digital infrastructure to bridge the gap.

“Through e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification done during ration card drives, many of those previously left out have now been linked to the health scheme. For those who still remain outside the system, the government is actively preparing additional mechanisms to bring them on board.”

Meanwhile, district-level health officers have reportedly been instructed to identify excluded families and submit action plans to cover them under the scheme. Awareness campaigns are also being intensified in rural and semi-urban areas to educate people about their entitlements under Ayushman Bharat.