JAIPUR: The Odisha government’s Niramaya scheme has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless low-income patients grappling with the growing burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Recent studies have debunked the notion that lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are exclusive to urban environments and individuals with sedentary habits. In stark contrast, these findings reveal a grim truth: diabetes now disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly those residing in rural areas of India.
Alarmingly, between 2019 and 2021, a staggering 31 million Indians were diagnosed with diabetes. These findings, extracted from a pioneering study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union Health Ministry, underscore the gravity of the non-communicable diseases (NCD) burden in the country.
Disturbingly, Odisha ranks sixth in the nation for diabetes-related fatalities, which also impacts a sizable population from rural communities within the state. Amid this bleak landscape, the story of Bairagi Nayak, a 70-year-old resident of Jajpur in Odisha, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of the Niramaya Scheme, which was launched in 2015.
Bairagi Nayak initially sought medical advice for persistent back pain and other health concerns that had crept up with age. Despite a regimen of prescribed medications, his condition showed no signs of improvement. Faced with mounting health challenges, his doctor recommended a comprehensive blood test, revealing the grim diagnosis of diabetes.
The news of his condition, coupled with prevalent rumors about its severity, resulted in mental distress for Bairagi. However, with the guidance and counseling provided by his physician, Bairagi was reassured that diabetes, though serious, could be effectively managed through a combination of dietary control, physical fitness, and medication.
But there remained a significant hurdle: the financial strain of purchasing expensive medicines from private pharmacies. It was at this juncture that Bairagi learned about the Niramaya scheme, spearheaded by the Odisha government. Although initially skeptical about its potential efficacy and benefits, he decided to explore the scheme’s offerings after a friend, who himself had been a beneficiary, alleviated his concerns.
Bairagi discovered that accessing the Niramaya Scheme proved to be quite hassle free. Any permanent resident of Odisha with a valid Aadhar card can access the benefits of the scheme.
The Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited serves as the nodal department for the healthcare initiative. Under the scheme’s purview, the Government of Odisha aims to establish 1102 Drug Distribution Centers throughout the state, providing free medications to residents across 1234 Primary Health Centers, 383 Community Health Centers, 32 District Headquarters Hospitals, 22 Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and 3 Medical Colleges. These centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring accessibility to healthcare services at all times.
The Odisha Niramaya Scheme extends its benefits to individuals of all age groups. However, it’s important to note that State and Central Government employees are not eligible to avail themselves of these benefits.
The application process for the Niramaya scheme is simple and accessible. Beneficiaries can visit any government hospital or medical college to initiate the process. After consulting with a doctor and receiving a prescription, they can then visit the Drug Distribution Center associated with that hospital or medical college, where dedicated agents dispense the prescribed medications free of cost.
The wide array of items and drugs provided free of cost under the scheme are 317 General Items, 83 Surgical Items, 107 Anti-Cancer Items, 21 items related to OSACS (Odisha State AIDS Control Society), 6 items are dedicated to Child Health, 6 under the Nutrition Programme, 28 as part of the Malaria Control Programme, and 5 specific to Leprosy treatment.
In the event of any grievances or queries, beneficiaries can seek assistance from a Medical Officer. The helpline number for Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited is 0674-2380608.
