On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of medical projects worth over 12,850 crore rupees on the birthday of Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurved, celebrated as Dhanteras. During the event, he announced the extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for all senior citizens aged 70 and above. PM Modi critiqued the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to political reasons. PM Modi expressed regret that elderly citizens in these two states cannot benefit from the scheme's offer of annual free treatment worth up to 5 lakh rupees.
The Prime Minister said, "I apologize to all the elderly over 70 years old in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them. I will understand your grievances, but I can't assist you. The reason is that the state governments of Delhi and West Bengal are not implementing this scheme due to their political interests." Notably, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, governs Bengal, while the Aam Aadmi Party, led by Atishi, governs Delhi.
This scheme allows individuals aged over 70 to receive free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees annually at hospitals affiliated with the Central Government Health Scheme. They will be issued 'Ayushman Vyay Vandana' cards. In his address, Modi emphasized, "A nation where citizens are healthy will progress rapidly. Prioritizing citizens' health, the central government has defined five pillars of health policy."
- Preventive healthcare, aiming to prevent disease before it starts. - Timely diagnosis of illnesses. - Free and affordable treatment, cost-effective medicines. - Quality healthcare in smaller towns and addressing the doctor shortage. - Expanding technology in health services.
PM Modi recalled, "There was a time when to afford treatment, people had to sell homes, land, and jewelry. The poor were terrified at the mention of treatment expenses for severe illnesses. Unable to afford treatment due to lack of money left the poor vulnerable and helpless. I could not bear to see my poor brothers and sisters in such desperation. This is why the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme was initiated. The government decided to bear the expense for treatments up to 5 lakh rupees for the poor. Approximately 4 crore disadvantaged individuals have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme."
He stated that henceforth, all elderly individuals over 70 years old nationwide will receive free hospitalization. They will be issued Ayushman Vyay Vandana cards. This scheme will be a significant milestone. Having an Ayushman Vyay Vandana card at home with the elders will reduce family expenses and their anxieties. During the election, I promised that all seniors over 70 would be included under the 'Ayushman Scheme' in the third term. Today, on the day of Dhanvantari Jayanti, this promise is being fulfilled.
