Introduction NIRAMAYA Scheme is a flagship healthcare initiative of the Government of Odisha designed to ensure that patients do not face financial hardship while accessing essential medicines and medical supplies. Implemented by the Health & Family Welfare Department, the scheme focuses on making quality healthcare more affordable by providing prescribed medicines free of cost through government hospitals and public health institutions across the state. The scheme operates through an extensive network of Drug Distribution Centres (DDCs) established in government healthcare facilities. Patients who register at a government hospital and obtain a valid prescription from an authorised doctor can collect prescribed medicines without any payment. This system helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improves access to treatment for people from all sections of society. Over the years, the scope of the scheme has expanded significantly. In addition to essential medicines, beneficiaries can access various notified healthcare products including surgical consumables, vaccines, blood products, and selected life-saving drugs. The procurement and supply chain management are handled by Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL), ensuring timely availability of medicines across healthcare institutions. NIRAMAYA plays a crucial role in strengthening Odisha's public healthcare system by supporting millions of patients every year. The scheme complements other health protection initiatives in the state and contributes to improving healthcare accessibility, reducing treatment costs, and ensuring uninterrupted medicine availability at government health facilities. Benefits Free distribution of prescribed medicines through government health facilities. Access to essential drugs without any additional cost. Availability of medicines based on the doctor's prescription. Support for both outpatient and inpatient treatment requirements. Free supply of surgical and suture items at notified facilities. Provision of selected vaccines through government healthcare institutions. Access to anti-cancer medicines and other critical healthcare products. Availability of blood products and related medical supplies where applicable. Medicines for chronic illnesses may be issued for longer treatment periods as prescribed. Reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure for patients. Eligibility Applicant must be receiving treatment at a government hospital or health institution in Odisha. Patient must complete registration at the concerned healthcare facility. A valid prescription from the treating doctor is mandatory. Medicines must be prescribed under approved treatment procedures. Both OPD and IPD patients may avail benefits as per facility guidelines. No separate income criteria have been prescribed under the scheme. Beneficiaries of other government health programmes can also receive medicines under NIRAMAYA. Documents Patient registration details at the government health facility. Doctor's prescription. Hospital-issued treatment records, if required. Identity proof, wherever requested by the concerned institution. Medical reports or diagnostic documents, if applicable. Process to Apply Visit the nearest government hospital or healthcare institution. Complete patient registration at the facility. Consult the concerned doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Obtain a valid prescription from the doctor. Visit the Drug Distribution Centre (DDC) within the facility. Submit the prescription for verification. Receive available medicines and notified healthcare items free of cost. Follow up as advised by the treating doctor for continued treatment. Drug Distribution Centres (DDC) Network The scheme functions through a statewide network of Drug Distribution Centres established in government healthcare facilities. These centres are responsible for dispensing medicines and approved healthcare products directly to patients based on valid prescriptions. Drug Distribution Centres are available across government hospitals and health institutions. Major hospitals and medical colleges operate dedicated medicine counters for patient convenience. Selected centres provide round-the-clock medicine distribution services. Community Health Centres distribute medicines during prescribed OPD hours. Centralized procurement and supply management is handled by OSMCL. Regular stock monitoring helps maintain medicine availability across facilities. Important Links NIRAMAYA Portal Official FAQs OSMCL Portal Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha Contact Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL) Helpline Number: 0674-2380608 FAQs Q. What is the Odisha NIRAMAYA Scheme?It is a government initiative that provides free medicines and notified healthcare items through government health facilities in Odisha. Q. Who can avail benefits under the scheme?Patients receiving treatment at government hospitals and health institutions can avail the benefits. Q. Is any separate application required?No, beneficiaries can access the scheme through registration and treatment at a government healthcare facility. Q. Are medicines provided completely free of cost?Yes, eligible medicines prescribed by authorised doctors are provided free of cost. Q. Can chronic disease patients receive medicines under the scheme?Yes, medicines for chronic conditions may be issued as prescribed by the treating physician. Q. Where can patients collect prescribed medicines?Medicines can be collected from the Drug Distribution Centre (DDC) of the concerned government health facility. Q. Does the scheme cover surgical and medical consumables?Yes, various notified surgical items, consumables, and healthcare products are covered. Q. Is there any income limit to receive benefits?No specific income restriction has been prescribed under the scheme. Q. Can beneficiaries of other health schemes use NIRAMAYA services?Yes, eligible patients receiving treatment under other government health programmes can also access medicines through NIRAMAYA. Q. Which department implements the scheme?The Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, implements the scheme with support from OSMCL.