Bhubaneswar: The state government Tuesday launched a series of new schemes to ensure enhanced healthcare services, including free diagnostic services, to patients in public health facilities from January 1, 2018.
The schemes, unveiled by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the state secretariat include NIDAAN (free diagnostic services), SAHAYA (free dialysis service), Ama Clinic (urban health facility) and ANMOL (computer tablet for ANMs).
Launching the schemes, Patnaik said, “The four important healthcare services are meant for the welfare of our people. The state government is committed to provide the best healthcare service to its citizens, especially the poor and needy.”
Under NIDAAN, the government will provide free identified diagnostic services from January 1, 2018. In addition, it will also provide free high-end pathology tests like digital X-Ray, CT-scan and MRI in government health facilities under the PPP mode by March, 2018.
The SAHAYA programme will offer free dialysis treatment from January 1 next year. “In all 127 dialysis machines will be installed in PPP mode in hospitals at five district headquarters, and one at Narasinghapur Community Health Centre in Cuttack by March, 2018,” the Chief Minister said. The state government has made a five-year budgetary provision of about `600 crore to provide free diagnostic and fee dialysis services in the state, he said.
Under the Ama Clinic scheme, the government will ensure fixed-day specialist consultations in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, medicine, geriatrics, eye care, physiotherapy and psychiatric services for the benefit of people in urban areas, benefitting over 45 lakh in 27 cities and towns.
Similarly, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) engaged in different healthcare activities will also be provided equipment like Anmol tablet computers for real-time services to beneficiaries, especially pregnant women, mothers.
PNN
