NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently expressed regret over the limited access elderly citizens in Delhi and West Bengal have to healthcare benefits due to these states’ non-participation in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). During a rally, he extended an apology to elderly residents, highlighting that despite the nationwide health scheme’s extensive benefits, senior citizens in these regions remain underserved due to political resistance.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, designed to offer up to ₹5 lakh annually in healthcare coverage per family, has become a lifeline for millions across the country. With the recent decision to extend benefits specifically to citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, Modi emphasized that this additional coverage could be transformative for Delhi and Bengal’s elderly populations. He stated that the scheme’s expansion aims to cover approximately 6 crore senior citizens across India, a move that signals the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare for all.
Modi underscored the scheme’s success in participating states, where it has covered over 7.3 crore hospital admissions since its inception, saving countless families from financial hardship due to medical costs. The Prime Minister’s statement also pointed out that in non-participating states like Delhi and West Bengal, citizens are missing out on these critical benefits due to local opposition to the scheme. He called on state leaders to prioritize citizens’ well-being over political differences, encouraging them to integrate Ayushman Bharat for better healthcare coverage.
The Prime Minister’s remarks aim to bring awareness to the benefits of Ayushman Bharat, urging Delhi and West Bengal to reconsider their stance so that elderly citizens in these states, too, can benefit from its provisions.(Inputs from agencies)
C6N Web Team, New Delhi
