Fact Check: BSKY cards issued by Naveen Patnaik govt. still applicable in Odisha
On August 15, 2018, the then Chief Minister of Odisha launched the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing universal health coverage, with a particular focus on safeguarding vulnerable families and women. The scheme's primary goal is to shield economically disadvantaged families from the risk of failing to avail quality medicare due to exorbitant health expenses.
Following a defeat in the state Assembly and Parliamentary elections, Naveen Patnaik, the long-serving Chief Minister of Odisha and leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), submitted his resignation to the Governor. Shortly after the change in the government, empanelled hospitals began refusing to accept BSKY cards.
This situation was widely shared on social media. Social media users shared it on their handles with different captions. A few users shared that BSKY was no longer being accepted in private hospitals.
Some other users warned that if you change the government, you will face this kind of problem.
As the problem affected many people, it was also covered in the mainstream media.
Some Private Hospitals Not Accepting BSKY Card, Complaints Surface : Kalinga TV
Fact Check: The claim has been found to be misleading. Although the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is no longer the ruling party in Odisha, the health plan they launched remains active.
When we searched with the keyword “ BSKY card”, we found Hon'ble Governor Shri Raghubar Das expressed deep concern over media reports indicating confusion about #BSKY health cards following the election results, which deprived the beneficiaries of availing health services. The Hon'ble Governor has instructed the State Chief Secretary to take immediate action to ensure there is no confusion regarding BSKY and that beneficiaries continue to receive uninterrupted healthcare services.
We also found on the same day, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena shared a video message addressing the issue. In his message, Jena clarified that the BSKY card remains active and valid. He stated that no hospital registered under the BSKY Scheme can refuse treatment to patients holding these cards. He also warned that strict action would be taken against hospitals that refuse to accept the BSKY card or deny treatment to patients under the scheme.
Upon searching the health department's social media account, we found a post: “This is to clarify that all #BSKY beneficiaries can continue to avail cashless healthcare services”.
During the search, we also found BJP state president Manmohan Samal also clarified in his social media post that BSKY cards remain active. He also mentioned in the post “Patients and diseases have no creed or caste. It is the priority of every government to provide health services to the common citizens. Change of government is a continuous process. Depriving people of medical services is a social and legal crime”.
Sri Deepak Kumar Gochhayat, the State General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Odisha, stated, "The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) remains active in Odisha. Any private hospital refusing to serve people under this scheme, claiming it is closed, is committing a serious offense. It has come to our attention that some political parties with malicious intentions are spreading false information to tarnish the government's reputation. The BJP government is capable of implementing any scheme, such as Ayushman Plus, to provide enhanced facilities to the people efficiently."
The Times of India published an article relating to the issue with the headline “BSKY to continue till new government takes further decision”
As per Omm Comm News: “BSKY Scheme Still Valid In Odisha, Says Health Secretary Shalini Pandit”
As per O TV , “Cashless treatment facilities under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) remain active: H&FW Dept”
Hence, it is proved that the claim is Misleading. Yes, there is a change of government but the health plan launched by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government is still being implemented.