Tue Oct 29 21:02:25 UTC 2024: ## Modi Expands Ayushman Bharat to Cover All Senior Citizens, Criticizes Delhi and West Bengal Governments

**New Delhi, October 29, 2024:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a major expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), extending health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income. This move, he said, will provide free treatment to every elderly person in the country through the “Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card”.

However, Modi expressed his disappointment with the governments of Delhi and West Bengal for not implementing the scheme, stating that senior citizens in these states would be unable to benefit from this expansion. He blamed their inaction on political interests.

“I apologize to all the elderly aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them. I know about your pains and sufferings, but I won’t be able to help you,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the scheme in overcoming the financial burden of illness for the poor, noting that the government covers hospitalisation costs up to ₹5 lakh for beneficiaries.

In addition to the Ayushman Bharat expansion, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various health sector projects worth over ₹13,000 crore on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the ninth Ayurveda Day. These projects include the creation of four centres of excellence under the Ayush Health scheme, expansion of health services using drones and helicopters, new infrastructure at AIIMS in Delhi and Bilaspur, and the establishment of medical and nursing colleges.

Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to leverage technology to enhance healthcare services, citing the e-Sanjeevani scheme, which has facilitated over 30 crore online consultations. He also highlighted the importance of scientific validation for traditional Indian herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper, stating that it would not only increase their value but also create a significant market for them.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs, a major boost to the “Make in India” initiative in the healthcare sector. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices and crucial bulk drugs.

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