*I apologise to people of Bengal, Delhi where regional governments did not implement Ayushman Bharat: Modi*
New Delhi: In a significant announcement made in New Delhi on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the expansion of health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This initiative aims to provide universal health coverage, ensuring that senior citizens can access medical treatment regardless of their income status.
During the launch event, Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by the underprivileged, stating that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has already benefited approximately four crore poor individuals, allowing them to receive treatment without incurring any costs. He described the scheme as a blessing for beneficiaries and healthcare professionals involved in its implementation.
Under the new provision, all elderly individuals will receive a free Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, enabling them to access hospital treatment at no charge. Modi highlighted that this initiative is inclusive, with no income restrictions, thus catering to the needs of the poor, middle-class, and affluent citizens alike.
However, PM Modi expressed concern over the non-implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana by the state governments of West Bengal and Delhi, noting that senior citizens in these regions are missing out on the benefits of the scheme. “I apologize to the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal since the governments here are not implementing the scheme,” he stated during the event, which coincided with the celebration of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day.
Additionally, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple health sector projects worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. He reiterated the government’s aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the elderly, positioning this expansion as a milestone in the nation’s healthcare journey.
With the introduction of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, Modi asserted that out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare would be significantly reduced for families with elderly members, enhancing their overall well-being.
