AI SummaryOdisha government continues Nidan Scheme in 2026 to give free diagnostic tests and dialysis treatment to people at government hospitals across the state. Odisha budget for 2026-27 has set aside ₹371 crore for this scheme, which now covers both diagnostics and dialysis care under one plan.
State govt started this scheme from 1 January 2018 and has continued it every year since then, including 2026. Under Nidan Scheme, people get free pathology tests, digital X-Ray, CT Scan and MRI in public health facilities, mostly run under PPP mode. Main aim of scheme is to reduce out of pocket spending on diagnostic tests and give quality health services to citizens.
Odisha Nidan Scheme Features
Nidan Scheme covers several free health services for people visiting government hospitals in Odisha. Important features of scheme are given below.
- Scheme gives free diagnostic services in public health facilities to all citizens across state, without any income limit for basic tests.
- Free dialysis treatment is now part of scheme too, under what was earlier run as separate Sahay component, so kidney patients can get dialysis at district hospitals without paying.
- People get free pathology tests, digital X-Ray, CT Scan and MRI facility, which are run in PPP mode at government hospitals.
- Scheme has been running since 1 January 2018 without any break, and Odisha govt keeps giving fresh budget for it every year.
- Health department is also using scheme to catch diseases like cancer early, with molecular testing added at some centres.
Odisha health department has allocated Rs 23,182 crore for Health and Family Welfare in state budget 2026-27, about eight percent more than previous year. This includes Rs 17,737 crore under programme expenditure covering schemes like Nidan.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Nidan Scheme (Free Diagnostics and Dialysis) |
| Launched By | Government of Odisha |
| Launch Date | 1 January 2018 |
| Beneficiaries | All citizens visiting government health facilities in Odisha |
| Benefits | Free pathology tests, digital X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI and dialysis |
| Budget 2026-27 | ₹371 crore |
| Application Mode | Not required, service available directly at government hospitals |
| Official Website | health.odisha.gov.in |
Nidan Scheme Budget Allocation 2026-27
Odisha govt has given Rs 371 crore for Nidan Scheme in budget 2026-27, to run free diagnostics and dialysis service together. This is a rise from Rs 229 crore that was set aside for the scheme in 2021-22, and shows scheme has grown after dialysis service got added to it.
Nidan Scheme is one part of a bigger health budget for the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while presenting state budget 2026-27, said health sector spending is now more than 7.5 percent of total budget size, showing govt's focus on free and quality health care for all.
Other Health Schemes in Odisha Budget 2026-27
Along with Nidan Scheme, state govt has also given budget support to many other health schemes this year. Details of major allocations are given below.
- Rs 5,008 crore given for Mukhyamantri Swasthya Seva Mission, used for building health infrastructure and services across state.
- Rs 6,309 crore given for Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, which is the new name of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana after state govt renamed it, giving free treatment cover up to Rs 5 lakh for male members and Rs 10 lakh for female members of a family, similar to Ayushman Bharat Odisha scheme.
- Rs 1,958 crore set for National Health Mission (NHM) programmes in state.
- Rs 786 crore kept for Niramaya scheme, which gives free medicines, surgical items, vaccines and anti-cancer drugs at government hospitals.
- Rs 986 crore given for Nirmal Yojana, used for sanitation, laundry, security and gardening services in health facilities.
- Rs 311 crore set for Mukhya Mantri Cancer Care Abhiyan, and Rs 198 crore for Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS).
Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana was renamed to Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana after BJP govt led by Mohan Charan Majhi came to power in Odisha in 2024. People who were covered under old scheme name continue to get same benefits under new name, so there is no change needed from beneficiary side.
Source / Reference Link - https://budget.odisha.gov.in/previous-yearly-budget/2026
FAQ's
What is Nidan Scheme in Odisha?
Nidan Scheme is a health scheme by Odisha government that gives free diagnostic tests like pathology, X-Ray, CT Scan and MRI, along with free dialysis, to people at government hospitals.
Is Nidan Scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, scheme is still running. Odisha govt has given Rs 371 crore for it in state budget 2026-27.
Do I need to apply for Nidan Scheme?
No separate application is required. Service is available directly at government hospitals and health centres running under this scheme.
What is difference between Nidan and Niramaya scheme?
Nidan Scheme covers free diagnostic tests and dialysis, while Niramaya scheme covers free medicines, surgical items and vaccines at government hospitals in Odisha.
Has Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana name changed?
Yes, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana is now called Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana after Odisha govt renamed it in 2024. Benefits for existing card holders remain same.
How to apply for this scheme