Healthcare has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of the Odisha Budget 2026–27, with the state government committing ₹23,635 crore to the health sector—nearly 8 percent of the total state budget. This substantial allocation reflects a clear message: improving public health infrastructure, expanding access to treatment, and protecting vulnerable families from financial hardship remain central priorities.
Presented by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the budget outlines a multi-layered strategy that combines infrastructure expansion, free healthcare services, preventive care, and insurance-based protection.
Expanding Universal Health Coverage
A large portion of the allocation—₹6,249 crore—has been earmarked for the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY), Odisha’s flagship health assurance scheme. The funding supports both operational and service-related components, ensuring that families across the state can access quality healthcare without catastrophic expenses.
Key components under GJAY include:
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₹3,768 crore for establishment and operational costs
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₹939 crore under NIRAMAYA for free medicines in public facilities
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₹200 crore as a NIRAMAYA corpus fund for medical colleges and hospitals
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₹229 crore for NIDAN (free diagnostic services)
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₹99 crore for SAMMPurNA, focusing on reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
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₹270 crore for Swasthya Sahaya support initiatives
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₹211 crore for the Odisha Comprehensive Cancer Care Plan
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₹221 crore for Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS)
Together, these allocations aim to ensure that patients not only receive free treatment but also benefit from diagnostics, medicines, emergency response, and specialized care.
Strengthening Hospitals and Medical Infrastructure
Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of this year’s health budget.
Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Seva Mission – ₹3,881 Crore
This mission focuses on upgrading health institutions across the state:
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₹2,070 crore for infrastructure development of health institutes
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₹400 crore for the redevelopment of SCB Medical College and Hospital
The redevelopment of SCB MCH is expected to transform it into a modern, high-capacity medical institution capable of handling advanced treatments and increased patient loads.
Ama Hospital Initiative – ₹420 Crore
The Ama Hospital scheme aims to improve service quality, patient amenities, and management systems in public hospitals. The objective is not just to expand facilities, but to enhance patient experience and trust in government healthcare institutions.
Upgradation of Medical Education
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₹530 crore for upgradation of Medical College, Cuttack
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₹30 crore for Odisha University of Health Sciences
These investments aim to strengthen medical education, research, and training capacity—ensuring that Odisha produces more skilled healthcare professionals in the coming years.
Focus on Clean and Safe Healthcare Delivery
Public health is not limited to treatment alone. The budget addresses environmental and sanitation concerns within healthcare systems.
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₹997 crore for NIRMAL (sanitation and cleanliness initiatives)
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₹364 crore for Bio-Medical Waste Management
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₹130 crore for KHUSHI, a menstrual hygiene scheme
These measures are critical in improving hospital hygiene standards, preventing infection spread, and promoting adolescent health awareness.
National Health Partnerships
Odisha continues to align with national healthcare missions to maximize impact:
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₹2,091 crore for the National Health Mission (NHM)
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₹295 crore for PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Care Infrastructure Mission (PM-BHIM)
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₹711 crore for Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
By integrating state and central schemes, the government aims to strengthen primary healthcare, expand insurance coverage, and modernize health facilities across districts.
Tackling Critical Health Challenges
The Odisha Comprehensive Cancer Care Plan and maternal-child health programs indicate a shift toward addressing non-communicable diseases and reducing preventable deaths. With dedicated funding for cancer care, diagnostics, and maternal health, the government appears focused on long-term public health outcomes rather than short-term interventions.
Emergency response systems have also received attention through increased funding for ambulance services, ensuring faster access to critical care in both urban and rural areas.
A Patient-Centric Vision
What distinguishes this year’s health budget is its balanced approach:
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Free medicines and diagnostics reduce out-of-pocket expenses
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Infrastructure upgrades improve treatment capacity
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Medical education investments secure the future workforce
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Hygiene and waste management ensure safer healthcare environments
By allocating nearly 8 percent of the total budget to health, Odisha signals that healthcare is not merely a welfare expenditure but a foundational investment in human capital.
The Road Ahead
While the financial commitments are significant, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on timely implementation, transparent monitoring, and efficient utilization of funds. Strengthening district-level supervision and ensuring adequate staffing will be critical to translating allocations into real improvements in patient care.
If executed effectively, the 2026–27 health budget could mark a transformative phase for Odisha’s public healthcare system—moving it closer to universal, affordable, and quality healthcare for all.
In essence, this year’s budget frames healthcare not just as a service, but as a promise—to protect lives, reduce inequality, and build a healthier Odisha.