Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to healthcare services, the Odisha government has announced cancer treatment will now be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Sharing details of the decision, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat card will be able to avail cancer treatment services, easing the financial burden on patients and their families. The move is expected to enhance access to advanced medical care for a large number of people across the state.

Mahaling further informed the “Chief Minister’s Cancer Care Scheme” has been included in the current year’s state budget. Additionally, cancer treatment has been incorporated into 121 medical packages under the Gopabandhu Arogya Yojana.

He added the state government will bear the entire cost of treatment for eligible patients, ensuring that people from economically weaker sections are not deprived of quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

“The objective is to ensure no patient is denied treatment due to financial difficulties,” the minister said.

The decision is expected to provide major relief to thousands of cancer patients in the state by offering timely and affordable treatment options.