On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, expanding it to cover all Indian senior citizens aged 70 and above. The move, part of his government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, provides an annual ₹5 lakh coverage for medical treatments at empanelled hospitals nationwide. This extension is expected to benefit around 600 million senior citizens, offering crucial support for high-cost treatments.

While launching the expanded coverage, PM Modi expressed disappointment over the Delhi and West Bengal governments` decision not to implement Ayushman Bharat. He attributed this lack of participation to “political interests” and stated he was "pained" that elderly residents in these states would be unable to benefit from the program`s coverage. "It is unfortunate that senior citizens from these regions cannot avail themselves of free treatment," he said, emphasizing the need for all states to prioritize healthcare accessibility over politics.

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), introduced in 2018, is a flagship scheme by the Indian government, aimed at providing free medical treatment to low-income families and senior citizens nationwide. The program covers treatments for serious and chronic illnesses, helping to alleviate financial burdens on the families of those in need.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responded to PM Modi’s remarks, defending his administration`s approach to healthcare. Kejriwal argued that Delhi’s health initiatives provide all residents free treatment, regardless of the costs involved. He further suggested that the Prime Minister consider adopting Delhi’s model for nationwide implementation, which he claims could serve as a comprehensive solution to healthcare accessibility issues.

This expansion of Ayushman Bharat, targeting vulnerable senior citizens, is expected to strengthen India`s public health infrastructure and address the growing demand for affordable healthcare options for the elderly.

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