Thu Sep 12 21:47:28 UTC 2024: ## India’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme Extends Coverage to Senior Citizens, But Faces Criticism

**New Delhi, India -** The Indian government has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens over 70 years of age, regardless of their income. This move provides free health coverage to an estimated 60 million people, offering a much-needed lifeline in a country with high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.

However, while the government’s initiative is lauded, experts criticize its limitations. The scheme only covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations, neglecting crucial aspects like outpatient care, diagnostics, and medications. This omission is particularly concerning given the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among India’s aging population.

Furthermore, the lack of robust primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure, particularly outside southern India, will exacerbate the burden on tertiary care hospitals. This reliance on expensive tertiary care threatens to further weaken the public healthcare system and make the scheme unsustainable.

The article points to Thailand’s success in achieving universal health coverage through a strong emphasis on primary healthcare. In contrast, the U.S.’s reliance on insurance-based schemes has led to skyrocketing healthcare costs, a path India seems to be mirroring.

While the PM-JAY is a positive step, experts argue that its current form is incomplete and requires a more comprehensive approach. Strengthening primary and secondary healthcare, alongside addressing the issue of outpatient care, is crucial to ensure the scheme’s long-term success and the well-being of India’s aging population.

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