Odisha Extends Free Diagnostic Scheme ‘NIDAAN’ for Five More Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Tuesday approved the continuation of the state’s flagship healthcare initiative ‘Free Diagnostic and Dialysis Services—NIDAAN’ for another five years. The government will allocate Rs 2,459.51 crore for the extended period to ensure access to essential diagnostic services across public healthcare institutions.

Under the scheme, patients are entitled to free pathological tests at government health facilities including Sub-Centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Sub-Divisional Hospitals, District Headquarter Hospitals (DHHs), and Medical College and Hospitals (MCHs).

The number of tests available varies by facility level: 16 types at SCs, 65 at PHCs, 103 at CHCs, 121 at sub-divisional hospitals, 146 at DHHs, and up to 221 diagnostic services at MCHs.

In addition, advanced diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scans will also be offered free of cost at selected DHHs and MCHs under the scheme’s expanded coverage. The decision reinforces the state’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access for all, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities.