Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5 (UDN): In a significant step towards strengthening cancer care, the Odisha government has introduced 91 new state-specific cancer treatment packages under the integrated Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), expanding access to cashless treatment for eligible patients across the state.
The newly added packages, approved by the National Health Authority (NHA), have been incorporated under the Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Abhiyan, an initiative aimed at improving early diagnosis, timely intervention and comprehensive treatment for cancer patients.
With the latest expansion, the number of cancer-specific treatment packages under the scheme has increased from 454 to 545, while the total package count available under the integrated health insurance programme has risen from 2,163 to 2,254.
State health officials said the move is intended to address the growing burden of cancer by ensuring patients have access to specialised medical procedures without financial hardship. The Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Abhiyan, launched on the recommendation of medical experts, has been allocated ₹311 crore to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment services across Odisha.
Following the NHA’s approval, all hospitals empanelled under the AB-PMJAY-GJAY scheme have been instructed to provide cashless treatment through the newly notified packages, enabling beneficiaries to receive advanced cancer care at no cost.
The expanded coverage has already begun benefiting patients. Aryabhanu Mohanty, a 32-year-old resident of Jajpur district, recently underwent successful surgery for testicular cancer at Bagchi Shankara Hospital in Bhubaneswar under the scheme and is recovering well.
In another case, Jyotsnarani Mohanty, a 62-year-old woman from Bhadrak district, successfully underwent surgery for uterine cancer through the programme and is expected to be discharged after completing post-operative care.
Officials said the addition of the new treatment packages is expected to improve access to specialised oncology services, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and ensure that more patients receive timely treatment under Odisha’s integrated public health insurance programme.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen healthcare delivery and make advanced cancer treatment more accessible to economically vulnerable families.