Kotpad: After the establishment of the double-engine government in Odisha, eligible beneficiaries in the state are being provided Ayushman Health Cards under the Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana). The card distribution process began on April 11 and is currently ongoing.
Through this card, citizens can avail free medical treatment in over 29,000 empaneled government and private hospitals across the country. The people of Koraput district are enthusiastic about the scheme, and the card distribution program is being successfully carried out across all blocks, panchayats, NACs (Notified Area Councils), and municipal areas in the district.
The Jan Seva Kendras (Common Service Centers – CSCs) and their VLEs (Village Level Entrepreneurs) are playing a key role in this effort. CSCs are government-recognized entities that help implement various central and state government welfare schemes like Subhadra Yojana, PM-Kisan, and CM-Kisan in remote areas of Koraput.
Since April 11, CSC operators have been providing free services selflessly, even in remote and tribal villages with poor road connectivity, electricity, and internet access. They have gone door to door and visited Anganwadi centers, ensuring Ayushman Cards reach people across all 14 blocks of Koraput.
Despite challenging terrain and continuous rains, CSC operators are working tirelessly. Local residents have expressed gratitude and appreciation for their dedicated service.
So far, over 1.3 lakh Ayushman Cards have been distributed in the district. Card eKYC and delivery processes have also been mostly completed, with the remaining cards expected to be issued shortly.
Kotpad block has recorded the highest number of card distributions in the district.
The success of this initiative is largely due to the pioneering steps of the state government and the active involvement of Jan Seva Kendra operators. District Manager Baijnath Mahanandia stated that these operators have not only led the implementation of the Ayushman Card program but have also resolved various issues at the grassroots level.
The district and block administrations are extending full cooperation, along with support from health department officials such as BPMs (Block Program Managers), ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), and ASHA workers.