PM Modi Extends Ayushman Bharat to All Seniors Over 70, Criticizes Non-Implementation by Delhi and Bengal
On October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the governments of Delhi and West Bengal for choosing not to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, stating that “political interests” were blocking elderly citizens in these states from accessing free healthcare services. Modi expressed disappointment that the elderly population in these regions cannot benefit from his government’s expanded health initiative. He announced that the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, a flagship program, will now cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
This declaration was made as PM Modi laid the foundation stones and inaugurated a series of projects during an event held on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti, which also marked the 9th Ayurveda Day, in New Delhi. Ayushman Bharat, which was launched in 2018, aims to provide financial protection and quality healthcare access to economically vulnerable sections of the population. Extending this coverage to seniors over 70 represents a significant enhancement to the scheme’s scope.
In his remarks, Modi stressed that healthcare accessibility should not be obstructed by politics, especially when it impacts the elderly. The non-participation of Delhi and West Bengal, he argued, excludes many from medical benefits that could relieve the financial and physical burdens associated with advanced age and medical care needs. The expansion of Ayushman Bharat now enables seniors over 70 to avail themselves of treatments without additional costs, which could potentially save many families from severe financial strain. However, as the scheme currently remains unavailable in the non-participating states, Modi underscored the need for political neutrality in health-related decisions, emphasizing that the welfare of citizens should be prioritized over regional political differences.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that this expansion is intended to bridge health equity gaps for seniors, who often face increased healthcare requirements. The lack of implementation in certain states, he suggested, is detrimental to those most in need. Modi’s call for collaboration across all states underscores a broader vision of national healthcare reform, where senior citizens, regardless of their residence, could gain access to essential medical services.
In addition to the Ayushman Bharat announcement, Modi inaugurated several projects worth ₹12,850 crore aimed at advancing health and infrastructure development. This investment is intended to reinforce the country’s healthcare infrastructure and improve the overall quality of public health services. The event featured an emphasis on traditional Indian medicine as well, aligning with the celebration of Ayurveda Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and integrating traditional and holistic medicine into India’s healthcare framework.
The Prime Minister’s expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is seen as a significant step in providing inclusive healthcare, aimed at reducing medical costs for senior citizens who often face high treatment expenses due to age-related ailments. The decision to offer free healthcare to those over 70 aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving healthcare accessibility for all, addressing the challenges faced by elderly citizens who are not only more susceptible to chronic illnesses but also face considerable barriers in affording treatment.
The move has garnered attention not only for its impact on healthcare access but also for sparking a conversation around federal cooperation in implementing nationwide welfare programs. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), covers a wide array of medical services and is currently implemented in most states, providing beneficiaries with access to services across a large network of empaneled hospitals.
This extension to seniors over 70 reflects the Modi administration’s commitment to expanding social support systems, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. While Ayushman Bharat has previously targeted economically disadvantaged groups, its current iteration broadens the demographic scope to include all senior citizens, independent of their income level. This marks a significant development in social welfare, as the program continues to evolve to accommodate diverse population needs.
With Modi’s announcements on Dhanvantari Jayanti, a day named after the deity associated with healing in Hindu tradition, the government has further highlighted its alignment with India’s rich heritage of wellness practices. Ayurveda Day celebrations included various initiatives intended to integrate traditional practices with modern healthcare, underscoring the government’s focus on holistic approaches to health.
This move to extend Ayushman Bharat to senior citizens has reignited discussions on public healthcare policies, federal cooperation, and the role of traditional medicine in India. As PM Modi emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare, the extension of Ayushman Bharat stands as a commitment toward making comprehensive healthcare a reality for India’s growing elderly population.