The Odisha administration introduced the Nidan Scheme to deliver premium medical diagnostic services to the state's residents. Under this program, all citizens can access free diagnostic testing at public healthcare centers throughout the region. This initiative is specifically designed to support individuals from underprivileged and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The state government launched this project on January 1, 2018, and has successfully maintained its operations through 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The state government provides advanced diagnostic facilities, including comprehensive pathology tests, digital X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, completely free of charge. These services are facilitated through public-private partnerships (PPP) at government medical centers. The primary goal is to ensure high-quality healthcare access for every citizen. For the 2021-22 fiscal year, the government earmarked Rs. 229 crore for the Nidan Scheme.
Furthermore, the government also operates the Niramaya Scheme to provide free essential medicines. The state has allocated Rs. 600 crore for the Niramaya program and Rs. 162 crore for the Odisha State Treatment Fund.
Key Highlights of the Odisha Nidan Scheme
The core features and primary benefits of the Odisha Nidan Scheme include:
- The program offers complimentary diagnostic testing across public health institutions for all state residents.
- The main objective is to lower Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rates (MMR) across Odisha.
- Beyond basic diagnostics, the government provides free access to pathology, digital X-rays, CT scans, and MRI services via PPP arrangements.
- The state government initiated the Nidan Scheme on January 1, 2018, and it remains active today.
- The state government dedicated Rs. 229 crore toward the effective execution of this healthcare initiative during the 2021-22 fiscal year.
- Additionally, the Niramaya Scheme is being implemented simultaneously to support public health.
Budget Allocations for Nidan and Other Health Initiatives (2021-22)
- A total of ₹9,164 crore was assigned for public health, marking a 19% increase compared to the previous year.
- ₹1,353 crore was provided for the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, offering medical coverage up to ₹5 lakh for male members and up to ₹10 lakh for female beneficiaries per family.
- A provision of ₹1,572 crore was established under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Seva Mission for health infrastructure development.
- ₹1,755 crore was earmarked for the National Health Mission.
- ₹370 crore was proposed for the Nirmal Scheme to maintain laundry, sanitation, security, and gardening services at public health facilities.
- ₹3,500 crore was proposed to transform SCB Medical College into an "AIIMS Plus Institute" over three years, with ₹500 crore allocated for 2021-22.
- ₹600 crore was set aside for the NIRAMAYA medicine program, ₹229 crore for NIDAN diagnostics, and ₹162 crore for the Odisha State Treatment Fund.
- ₹117 crore was designated for upgrading equipment at major hospitals and district health centers.
- ₹63 crore was allocated via the Public Health Response Fund to manage COVID-19 and emergency medical services.
- ₹40 crore was provided for the Free Treatment for Trauma Fund (FTTF) to support road accident victims.
Through these measures, the Odisha government aims to ensure that all residents receive quality medical care at public facilities.
Source / Reference Link - https://finance.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/Budget%20highlights%202021-22-Eng.pdf