Tue Oct 29 17:42:26 UTC 2024: ## Modi Slams Delhi, West Bengal for Blocking Ayushman Bharat Scheme for Elderly

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday criticized the governments of Delhi and West Bengal for their refusal to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, accusing them of prioritizing politics over the well-being of their citizens.

Modi, who extended the scheme to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, expressed disappointment that elderly residents in Delhi and West Bengal are being denied access to free treatment under the program due to “political hurdles.” He condemned the governments’ actions as “selfish” and “unconcerned with humanity.”

The Prime Minister lauded his government’s efforts to expand healthcare access through various initiatives, including the establishment of 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide affordable medicines, and Mission Indradhanush, an immunization program that has successfully protected pregnant women and newborns from severe illnesses.

Modi also highlighted the success of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, over 200,000 centers dedicated to timely diagnosis of cancer and other critical diseases. He further introduced the U-WIN platform, a new digital health interface built on the success of platforms like COWIN and UPI, and announced plans for the construction of new AIIMS and medical colleges across the country.

With the addition of 75,000 new medical seats, India now boasts 1.08 lakh medical seats, demonstrating Modi’s commitment to tackling the healthcare demand of the growing population. However, his criticism of the Delhi and West Bengal governments underscores the political divide on healthcare policies and raises questions about the accessibility of essential healthcare services for all citizens.

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