TNI Bureau: The Odisha Government has reiterated that beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) will not be charged for pre- and post-hospitalisation services covered under the scheme. The announcement was highlighted by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling in a post on his X handle, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring hassle-free healthcare for citizens.

According to an advisory issued by the State Health Assurance Society (SHAS), consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines undertaken up to three days before hospital admission are included in the treatment package and must be provided free of cost by empanelled hospitals.

The advisory further states that all medicines, follow-up consultations and necessary diagnostic tests for up to 15 days after discharge are also covered under the scheme. Hospitals have been directed to provide the required medicines and follow-up care without charging patients any additional amount.

In cases of surgery, any post-operative complications or treatment-related readmissions will also be covered under the existing package cost, eliminating the need for patients to bear extra expenses.

The directive comes in response to reports that some empanelled private hospitals were allegedly charging beneficiaries for diagnostic tests and other services before admission and after discharge. SHAS has instructed all empanelled hospitals to immediately stop such practices and strictly comply with the scheme guidelines.

The government has warned that strict action will be taken against any hospital found violating the rules or harassing beneficiaries by demanding additional payments for services already covered under the scheme.