Wed Oct 30 06:41:23 UTC 2024: ## Ayushman Bharat Expanded to Cover All Senior Citizens
**New Delhi:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme for all senior citizens, irrespective of their financial status, on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day, celebrated as Dhanwantari Jayanti. This expansion of the scheme will provide free medical treatment to anyone above 70 years of age.
Modi announced the issuance of ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards’ to facilitate free medical treatment for senior citizens. He also criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the scheme citing political reasons, offering an apology to the senior citizens in these states.
In addition to the Ayushman Bharat expansion, PM Modi inaugurated several projects worth Rs. 12,850 crores. These include the establishment of a Center of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore for the use of Ayurveda in the treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorders, as well as the launch of drone services in 11 AIIMS hospitals across the country.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide universal health coverage, now extends its benefits to encompass all senior citizens, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for all.
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