PM criticises Delhi, Bengal govts for not implementing Ayushman Bharat
North News
New Delhi, October 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to affordable healthcare for country’s elderly, announcing that all citizens over 70 will receive free hospital treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Modi said that the scheme’s Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card will allow universal coverage without income restrictions, easing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for senior citizens.
Prime Minister also criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for their failure to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He characterized this inaction as a “political decision” that denies elderly citizens in these states access to free treatment under the program
Addressing India’s progress in accessible healthcare, Prime Minister Modi highlighted government efforts to reduce treatment costs for all income groups. He cited over 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras providing medicines at 80 percent discounts, saving ₹30,000 crore for the poor and middle-class families. He also underscored price cuts on medical devices like stents and knee implants, which have collectively saved citizens ₹80,000 crore.
Modi also launched the U-Win platform, an advanced digital healthcare interface following the success of Co-Win and UPI. More than 30 crore people have used the e-Sanjeevani scheme for free medical consultations, helping reduce healthcare expenses.
The Prime Minister praised the expansion of India’s healthcare infrastructure, noting new hospitals inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as new medical college projects. Modi added that increased hospital capacity would create more medical seats, ensuring no poor child’s medical career is hindered due to lack of access.
In promoting India’s traditional medicine sector, Modi highlighted rapid growth in the AYUSH manufacturing sector, which expanded from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion. With over 900 AYUSH start-ups and 7.5 lakh registered practitioners, the Prime Minister emphasized the sector’s impact on both healthcare and economic growth, bolstered by strong global demand for Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha.
To preserve and validate traditional healthcare, Modi launched the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan, which will provide individualized risk assessments based on Ayurveda. He emphasized that scientific validation of India’s traditional herbs, such as Ashwagandha and turmeric, can create significant global markets.
Reflecting on India’s healthcare advancements, Modi said the government’s ten-year health policy has laid a strong foundation for a healthier nation under the guiding philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ Modi underscored the government’s commitment to aligning India’s social and healthcare priorities, ultimately aiming for a developed and healthy India.
Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were present at the event.
