PM rolls out health cover for persons aged 70 and above
- In a major expansion of the Union government’s flagship scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (October 29, 2024) announced health coverage under the scheme.
Highlights:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on October 29, 2024, extending health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.
- Criticized the governments of Delhi and West Bengal for not implementing the scheme, which excludes senior citizens in these states from benefiting from the expansion.
Goal: Reducing Healthcare Costs for Senior Citizens:
- The scheme covers hospital expenses up to ₹5 lakh for eligible beneficiaries, aiming to ease financial burdens for low-income families during illness.
- With the introduction of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for the elderly are expected to decrease significantly.
Promotion of Ayurveda and Other Health Projects:
- The announcement was accompanied by new health sector projects totaling around ₹12,850 crore, launched in honor of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day.
- PM Modi emphasized the rising global interest in Ayurveda, with celebrations held in over 150 countries.
- Highlighted five pillars of the government’s health policy: preventive care, early disease detection, affordable treatment, access to doctors in small towns, and technological advancement in healthcare services.
Technological Advancements in Healthcare:
- Projects worth over ₹13,000 crore were inaugurated, including the establishment of four Ayush Health centers of excellence, drone and helicopter services in medical facilities, and expansions at AIIMS centers across the country.
- The government aims to increase healthcare accessibility and reduce costs through initiatives like the e-Sanjeevani scheme, enabling over 30 crore people to access telemedicine services.
Validation of Traditional Herbs and Ayurveda Research:
- PM Modi stressed the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha and turmeric through scientific studies, which could enhance their value and create a global market for Indian herbs.
- Inaugurated the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda and opened medical and nursing colleges across India, strengthening the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Boosting Local Healthcare Manufacturing:
- Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, five new projects were launched to manufacture critical medical devices and bulk drugs, contributing to the "Make in India" initiative.
- These projects aim to produce high-end medical equipment, including body implants and essential medicines, advancing self-reliance in healthcare manufacturing.
Prelims Takeaways
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs