In a significant move to enhance healthcare access for senior citizens, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to include citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, underscores the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare coverage for the elderly. This decision fulfills a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Expanded Healthcare Coverage
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was launched in 2017 under the National Health Policy, currently provides free healthcare services up to ₹5 lakh annually to eligible families. With the latest Cabinet decision, people over 70 years old, regardless of their financial status, will be eligible for the same coverage. This move is expected to benefit millions of elderly citizens who often face significant healthcare expenses.
Prime Minister Modi’s government has continuously prioritized healthcare reforms, and this expansion comes as a major step in providing universal healthcare to India’s aging population. Previously, the scheme was limited to selected families based on economic criteria. With this inclusion, the Ayushman Bharat scheme becomes more inclusive, removing the financial barriers to essential healthcare for senior citizens.
Fulfillment of a Key Election Promise
During her speech in Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu had hinted at this expansion, highlighting the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of elderly citizens. The BJP had made this promise a central feature of its election manifesto, ensuring that healthcare services are extended to citizens over the age of 70, without any income distinctions.
Ayushman Bharat at a Glance
Ayushman Bharat is currently providing free healthcare services to over 55 lakh beneficiaries, allowing them to access treatment in both government and empaneled private hospitals. The scheme covers various medical treatments, including surgery, diagnostics, and pre-existing conditions. Under the program, patients can avail free treatment up to ₹5 lakh, and medical expenses are covered up to 10 days before hospital admission.
While the scheme is implemented nationwide, some states, including West Bengal, have chosen not to participate, opting instead for their own state-specific healthcare schemes.
Healthcare Reform Continues
This expansion is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for all Indians, particularly vulnerable and elderly populations. With the inclusion of citizens over 70 years of age, the government is ensuring that senior citizens are not left out of the country’s rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure.
As the government continues to expand and strengthen its healthcare initiatives, the inclusion of the elderly in Ayushman Bharat is seen as a major step towards universal healthcare in India.
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