Tue Oct 29 09:10:00 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Launches Over ₹12,850 Crore Medical Projects, Extends Ayushman Bharat to Senior Citizens

**New Delhi:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated medical projects worth over ₹12,850 crore on the occasion of Dhanteras, the festival dedicated to the god of health and Ayurveda, Dhanvantari. The Prime Minister also announced the extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

During his address, PM Modi took a swipe at the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for political reasons. He expressed regret that elderly citizens in these states would miss out on the benefits of the scheme, which provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year.

“I apologize to all the elderly citizens above 70 years of age in Delhi and West Bengal, I cannot serve them. I understand their pain but I cannot help them. This is because the state governments of Delhi and West Bengal are not implementing this scheme due to their political interests,” PM Modi said.

The extended scheme, called “Ayushman Vaya Vandana”, will provide free treatment to senior citizens at hospitals affiliated with the Central Government Health Scheme. Beneficiaries will receive an “Ayushman Vaya Vandana” card.

In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the government’s five pillars of health policy:

* **Preventive healthcare:** Focusing on preventing diseases before they occur.
* **Timely disease detection:** Ensuring early diagnosis.
* **Free and affordable treatment:** Providing accessible and cost-effective healthcare.
* **Improving healthcare facilities in smaller towns:** Addressing doctor shortage in rural areas.
* **Technology integration in healthcare:** Utilizing technology to enhance healthcare services.

The Prime Minister recalled the struggles of the poor in accessing medical care due to financial constraints and emphasized the importance of Ayushman Bharat in easing their burden. He said that the scheme has already benefited around 4 crore people across the country.

PM Modi reiterated his election promise to include all senior citizens above 70 years in the Ayushman Bharat scheme during his third term. “This promise is being fulfilled today on Dhanvantari Jayanti,” he declared.

Read More