The Odisha government today said that the health assurance cover for all-women families per year will be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh under the Biju Swasthya Kalyana Yojana (BSKY).

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while holding a meeting on 'Ama Gaon Ama Bikash' programme at the state secretariat here.

A woman called Mamata Padiamy, a resident of Kalimela area in Malkangiri district, during the interaction with the Chief Minister, requested Patnaik to increase the health assurance assistance for women under the BSKY.

Appreciating the woman's views, the chief minister made the announcement during the programme, an official said.

"I have taken note of the suggestion made by the tribal lady. So, the health cover will now be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh for women," Patnaik told reporters.

"This will be immensely beneficial to the millions of mothers and sisters...," Patnaik said.

The chief minister on June 12 had announced the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. It assures healthcare facilities of Rs 5 lakh for about 70 lakh families in the state.

"From Mission Shakti to Mamata & Khushi to land rights & houses, 50% reservation in Panchayats to free bicycles & hostels for girls, Odisha stands for women. The enhanced BSKY cover is yet another step for women & also for Healthy, Happy & Empowered Odisha," Patnaik tweeted.

The Director of National Health Mission (NHM) Salini Pandit said that all 70 lakh families are entitled to get health assurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh each per year.

"If a family utilises Rs 5 lakh and then a female member falls ill, in that case the woman patient will get additional coverage of Rs 2 lakh," Pandit told PTI.

Pandit also made it clear that an all women family will be entitled to get Rs 7 lakh coverage as per the fresh announcement made by the chief minister.