In a landmark move to strengthen cancer treatment across the state, the Odisha government has included 91 additional specialised cancer care packages under the integrated Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
The total number of treatment packages available to beneficiaries has now risen to 2,254.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling announced the development, stating that the new packages have been incorporated as special state packages in the master list following approval from the National Health Authority (NHA). “No cancer patient in the state will be left helpless. Every eligible beneficiary will receive quality, cashless super-speciality treatment,” the Minister said.
The expansion forms part of the Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Abhiyan. The state government has made a provision of ₹311 crore in the 2026-27 Budget to support free treatment, community awareness drives, mobile camps, digital hubs under the hub-and-spoke model, and free transport facilities for patients.
When the integrated ABPMJAY-GJAY scheme began operations in Odisha, 2,163 packages were available. The addition of these 91 new packages significantly broadens coverage for complex procedures involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, oncology and multi-disciplinary care.
Cancer remains a complex and life-threatening disease that requires early detection, accurate diagnosis and coordinated medical intervention. Recognising the heavy financial burden it places on ordinary families, the Odisha government has prioritised the expansion of these packages.
All empanelled hospitals in the state have been directed to provide cashless treatment under the newly added packages. Beneficiaries are already experiencing the benefits. Thirty-two-year-old Aryabhanu Mohanty from Kuakhia in Jajpur district, who was suffering from testicular cancer, underwent successful surgery at a hospital in Bhubaneswar. He is now recovering well and looking forward to returning to a normal life.
Similarly, 62-year-old Jyosnarani Mohanty from Jagannathpur in Bhadrak town received successful surgery for uterine cancer. Doctors report steady improvement, and she is expected to be discharged soon.
Both patients expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling. They said the scheme made expensive treatment possible and gave them a new lease of life.
The initiative marks another important step in making healthcare more accessible and people-centric in Odisha. The state government continues to expand the scope of services so that every eligible citizen can receive quality treatment without the fear of financial hardship.
