Cabinet nod to extension of Nidaan, Nirmal health schemes

Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt on Wednesday approved the continuance of free diagnostic and dialysis programme (NIDAAN) and strengthening of ancillary services at public health facilities (Nirmal) schemes for the next five years. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting held here Wednesday.

NIDAAN is designed to augment free diagnostic and dialysis services at public health facilities at an estimated budget of Rs 2,459.5 crore. Under this scheme, patients will have access to 16 types of tests at sub-centres, 65 at primary health centres (PHCs), 103 at community health centres (CHCs), 121 at sub-divisional hospitals (SDHs), 146 at district headquarters hospitals (DHHs), and 221 at medical colleges and hospitals (MCHs) for diagnosis and management of various diseases and health conditions.

The Nirmal scheme is being implemented to strengthen ancillary services at public health facilities, including linen and laundry services, security services, and attendant services, at an estimated budget of Rs 5,174.7 crore for five years. The scheme aims to provide a better ambience for patients and their attendants at public health facilities, to minimise hospital-acquired infections, to improve patient satisfaction, and to prepare public health facilities to receive good certificates on cleanliness.