Patient in BSKY advert claims to have never received assistance from Odisha govt

Nuapada: While the State government is busy putting up banners and hoardings of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) claiming to provide free healthcare coverage to all, some beneficiaries have claimed that they have not received even a penny under the scheme.

One glaring example is Lakshman Kumbhar, a heart patient from Bhela village of Nuapada district, whose photo was used in one of the hoardings of BSKY. Kumar alleged that he has not received any financial help from the Odisha government so far.

"I am not getting any help from the State government. I am hurt that my photo has been used by them. I have used my own money for my treatment and visited SCB medical multiple times in the last 2 months," complainant Kumbhar said.

Meanwhile, BJP has slammed the State government and accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of spreading lies.

"This proves that Naveen Patnaik is lying. It is unfortunate that Kumar has to go through this," Odisha BJP president, Basant Panda said.

Responding to allegations, BJD's Nuapada district president, Rajendra Dholakia said, "They need to go to a specific counter at SCB hospital to avail the service. It seems they are unaware of it."