President Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday that all citizens aged above 70 will be provided free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. This announcement was made during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament. The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) currently provides free health services to 55 crore beneficiaries, offering significant health cover across the nation.
Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Coverage
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance program, aims to provide health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 crore families. With the new announcement, the scheme will now extend its benefits to all elderly citizens above 70 years, ensuring they receive free treatment under the program.
Progress in Healthcare Infrastructure
President Murmu highlighted the rapid progress in opening 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, which aim to provide affordable medicines to the public. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all citizens.
Promotion of AYUSH and Yoga
Murmu also emphasized India’s role in promoting AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) globally. She noted the recent celebration of the International Day of Yoga as a global event, reflecting the rising prestige of India’s traditional health practices. The promotion of AYUSH is part of India’s contribution to creating a healthier world.
India’s Growing Leadership in Health and Wellness
The President highlighted India’s emerging leadership in various sectors, including IT, tourism, health, and wellness. By advancing initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and promoting traditional health practices, India is establishing itself as a global leader in healthcare.
Hospital Empanelment and Management (HEM) Guidelines
The AB-PMJAY mandates State Health Agencies (SHAs) with the responsibility of empanelling hospitals under the scheme. This ensures that a wide network of hospitals is available to provide the necessary health services to beneficiaries, further strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in India.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include free treatment for all citizens above 70 years marks a significant step in India’s healthcare journey. This initiative, along with the promotion of AYUSH and the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, underscores the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all its citizens.
