Bhubaneswar: In a major step to strengthen cancer care in Odisha, the state government has included 91 additional cancer treatment packages under the integrated Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) as part of the Chief Minister's Cancer Care Programme.

With the addition of the new packages, the total number of treatment packages available under the two schemes has increased from 2,163 to 2,254. The move is aimed at providing advanced and affordable cancer treatment to patients while reducing their financial burden.

Cancer treatment often requires early diagnosis, specialised investigations and a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other advanced medical interventions. Recognising the high cost of such treatment, the state government has expanded the coverage to ensure eligible patients receive quality healthcare without financial hardship.

The Odisha government has earmarked Rs 311 crore in the 2026-27 state budget for the initiative.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the state government will provide free cancer treatment through its own initiative. He said the allocated funds will be used for community awareness programmes, mobile screening camps, a digital hub-and-spoke healthcare model and free transportation facilities for cancer patients.

The minister said directions have already been issued to all empanelled hospitals in the state to provide free treatment under the approved packages. He added that many cancer patients have already started receiving benefits under the scheme.

The government said that a total of 121 cancer treatment packages are now available under the Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, including the 91 newly introduced packages.