Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana: Empowering Journalists in Odisha

In a significant move, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha has recognized working journalists as frontline COVID-19 warriors in the state. This commendable decision falls under the ambit of the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana. 

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This article delves into the details of this scheme, highlighting its objectives, benefits, and its namesake, Gopalbandhu Das. Aspiring UPSC exam candidates, take note of this essential program in the context of social welfare and healthcare policies.

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Introduction to Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana

The Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is a health insurance scheme initiated by the Odisha state government. This visionary program is designed specifically for the welfare of journalists in the state. Here are the key points you need to know:

Inception and Launch

• Year of Introduction: This scheme was rolled out in 2018 with the aim of safeguarding the health and well-being of journalists.
• Targeted Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this scheme are the working journalists of Odisha.

Health Insurance Coverage

• Generous Coverage: Under this scheme, every eligible journalist is entitled to a health insurance cover of two lakh rupees.
• Versatile Coverage: The insurance extends to a wide range of healthcare services and treatments.

Cashless Treatment

• Government and Private Hospitals: One of the standout features of the program is that it includes cashless treatment in both government and private hospitals.
• Accessibility: This ensures that journalists have easy access to quality medical care when needed.

Coverage for Work-Related Illness and Injuries

• Protecting Journalists: Recognizing the risks associated with their profession, the scheme extends its coverage to illnesses and injuries that journalists may encounter while performing their duties.
• Supportive Measures: This provision offers financial support to journalists in times of health crises resulting from their work.

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The Inspiration Behind the Name: Gopalbandhu Das

A Multifaceted Personality

• Gopalbandhu Das: The Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is named after Gopalbandhu Das, a notable personality in Odisha's history.
• Reformer and Social Worker: Gopalbandhu Das was renowned as a reformer, social worker, journalist, political activist, essayist, and poet in Odisha.

Epithet of Utkalmani

• Jewel of Odisha: His invaluable contributions to culture, art, and society earned him the epithet of "Utkalmani," which translates to the "Jewel of Odisha."
• Satyabadi Magazine: Gopalbandhu Das launched the magazine "Satyabadi," leaving an indelible mark on the field of journalism.

Features of Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana For Journalists

Let's explore the gopabandhu sambadika swasthya bima yojana key features:

Health Insurance Cover

• Coverage Amount: Under this scheme, working journalists in Odisha are entitled to a health insurance cover of two lakh rupees.
• Financial Security: This coverage ensures that journalists and their families have access to medical treatment without facing financial burdens in times of illness or injury.

Cashless Treatment

• Government and Private Hospitals: The scheme provides the convenience of cashless treatment in both government and private hospitals.
• Access to Quality Care: Journalists can receive medical care from a wide network of healthcare facilities, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

Coverage for Work-Related Health Issues

• Work-Related Injuries and Illness: Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana extends coverage to injuries and illnesses faced by journalists while performing their professional duties.
• Recognition of Journalists' Challenges: This feature acknowledges the risks and challenges faced by journalists in their line of work.

Advantages of Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana

Now, let's explore the advantages of this scheme for journalists and society as a whole:

Financial Security

• Peace of Mind: Journalists can work with peace of mind, knowing that they and their families are financially protected in case of medical emergencies.
• Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses: The scheme helps reduce the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, making quality healthcare more accessible.

Recognition of Journalists' Contribution

• Frontline COVID-19 Warriors: Declaring journalists as frontline COVID-19 warriors acknowledges their vital role in disseminating information and raising awareness during the pandemic.
• Boosting Morale: Such recognition boosts journalists' morale and encourages them to continue their valuable work.

Disadvantages of Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana

While this scheme offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks:

Limited Coverage

• State-Specific: This scheme is limited to journalists in the state of Odisha, which means that journalists in other states may not enjoy similar benefits.
• Coverage Gaps: It leaves out freelance journalists and those not affiliated with recognized media organizations.

Dependence on Government Policies

• Sustainability: The scheme's long-term sustainability depends on the government's commitment to funding and managing it effectively.
• Changing Policies: Shifts in government policies can impact the continuity and effectiveness of the program.

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Recognizing Journalists as Frontline Workers: A National Trend

It's important to note that Odisha is not the only state recognizing journalists as frontline workers. Several other states in India have taken similar steps to acknowledge the vital role played by journalists, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a quick look at some of these states:

Madhya Pradesh

Frontline Warriors: Madhya Pradesh has also declared journalists as frontline warriors in the fight against COVID-19.

Bihar

Acknowledging the Efforts: Bihar, too, has recognized the contributions of journalists and extended frontline worker status to them.

Punjab

Frontline Status: In Punjab, journalists have been given frontline worker status, ensuring their inclusion in the priority groups for vaccination.

West Bengal

COVID-19 Warriors: West Bengal joins the list of states that have embraced the idea of journalists as COVID-19 warriors on the frontline.

Tamil Nadu

Recognizing Journalists: Tamil Nadu has followed suit by categorizing journalists as frontline workers.

Uttarakhand

Acknowledging Their Role: The state of Uttarakhand acknowledges the indispensable role journalists have played during the pandemic by granting them frontline worker status.

Uttar Pradesh

Inclusivity: Uttar Pradesh recognizes journalists as frontline workers, reflecting their importance in disseminating crucial information.

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Significance of Declaring Journalists as Frontline Workers

The decision to declare journalists as frontline workers holds immense significance, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts. Here's why this move is noteworthy:

Priority Vaccination

• Inclusion in Phase I: Journalists, now considered frontline workers, are included in Phase I of India's COVID-19 vaccination program.
• Vaccination Hierarchy: Phase I beneficiaries include healthcare workers, frontline workers, and individuals above the age of fifty.

Expanding the Frontline Category

• Diverse Frontline Workers: The frontline worker category now encompasses not only health care workers but also home guards, armed forces, prison staff, municipal workers, and civil defense volunteers, including disaster management volunteers.

Conclusion

The Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana stands as a testament to the Odisha government's commitment to the welfare of journalists, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society. This initiative, along with the trend of recognizing journalists as frontline workers in several Indian states, highlights the critical role journalists play, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Aspiring UPSC exam candidates should take note of this program, as it underscores the importance of social welfare policies and healthcare initiatives in the broader context of governance and public health.

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