Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, issued a strong warning on Tuesday to private hospitals across the state, making it clear that any neglect or refusal to treat patients holding Ayushman Bharat health cards will lead to strict legal action.
The minister’s remarks follow rising complaints of cardholders facing delays or denials in treatment. He emphasized that there should be no confusion regarding the legitimacy or usage of the Ayushman Bharat card.
Mahaling acknowledged that certain operational issues—such as PAN-India card integration and OTP verification delays—are being addressed. “We are actively working to resolve these technical glitches to ensure seamless healthcare access for beneficiaries,” he said.
Responding to private hospitals’ demand for increased package rates under the scheme, Mahaling confirmed that the state government is examining the issue seriously, taking feedback from stakeholders including hospitals and patients to ensure a balanced and fair outcome.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making the Ayushman Bharat scheme inclusive, especially for economically weaker sections. He explained that individuals holding any of the five approved identity cards—NFSA, SFSS, AAY, Naveen Card, or Ration Card—are already covered.
To bridge gaps, the government has leveraged digital tools like e-KYC during ration card enrollment drives, helping bring previously excluded individuals into the scheme.
