Tue Oct 29 18:58:56 UTC 2024: ## Modi Blames Delhi and Bengal for Elderly Missing Out on Ayushman Bharat Expansion
**New Delhi:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the governments of Delhi and West Bengal, accusing them of deliberately excluding their elderly citizens from the expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme for political reasons.
Modi, while extending the flagship health insurance scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, expressed regret that the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal would be unable to benefit. He claimed that the AAP government in Delhi and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal had refused to implement the scheme, citing political motivations.
“I apologize to all the elderly people above 70 years of age in Delhi and West Bengal that I will not be able to serve you,” Modi stated, adding, “The tendency to oppress the sick people of your own state for your political interests is against any humane attitude.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the success of Ayushman Bharat, pointing out that it has benefitted approximately 4 crore poor people across the country. He emphasized the scheme’s role in alleviating the financial burden of treatment for the poor, who previously faced dire circumstances due to the high cost of healthcare.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in February 2018, provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously rejected the scheme in 2019, claiming the Prime Minister was trying to take credit for it while expecting the states to contribute 40% of the expenses. The Delhi government also opted out, citing concerns about inadequate coverage and preferring to implement its own health insurance scheme.
The Prime Minister’s remarks have ignited fresh political tensions, highlighting the ongoing friction between the central government and these two states.
First Piper 