Breaking News: Modi Government Extends Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Senior Citizens Over 70

The Modi Government has announced a major expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This is a historic move that will change the way India's elderly get medical care. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will now cover all Indian citizens aged 70 and up as of right now. The healthcare system in the country will get a big help from this big change, which will affect about six crore seniors and 4.5 crore families.

After the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a press conference to praise it as a major promise kept during his election campaign. "Today, we stand at a crucial juncture in our journey to ensure healthcare for all," he said. "By expanding Ayushman Bharat to include our elderly citizens, we are not only honouring our commitment but also reaffirming our belief in a healthier, more inclusive India."

People have praised the Ayushman Bharat plan, which began in 2018, for its big goal of giving every family health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. At first, this coverage was only available to families who were struggling financially. With today's addition, it is now available to all seniors over the age of 70, regardless of their financial situation. It is now official: the program will pay for a lot of different hospital treatments, such as surgeries, tests, and doctor visits.

Millions of seniors who often have to pay a lot for medical bills should get a lot of help from this choice. With about 1.5 billion people living in India and a population that is getting older quickly, the cost of health care has become a big issue for many families. The bigger covering under Ayushman Bharat is meant to ease these worries by protecting everyone financially from high medical costs.

Mansukh Mandaviya, the health minister, said that the government's move is both realistic and kind. "Our older people have made huge contributions to our country. "It is only right that we take care of their health and well-being as they get older," Mandaviya said. The plan's growth should make it easier for families who have been having a hard time paying for their older family members' medical care.

The effects of this choice will be huge. The new coverage for the plan should include a wide range of services, from hospital stays and surgeries to advanced treatments for long-term illnesses. It will also have measures for pre-existing conditions, which can be very expensive for older people.

It will also take a lot of work to make sure that this increased coverage is put into place. The government is working on adding this new group to the Ayushman Bharat scheme's current health care system and insurance system. This includes keeping health data up to date, making sure that medical services are easy to get to, and making sure that seniors know about the benefits that are available to them.

The news was met with praise from the opposition parties, which saw it as a positive step in the right direction. But they have also asked for a more in-depth look at how the plan is being carried out. They want the government to make sure that the coverage reaches the people who need it the most and that the quality of care stays good.

India's health policy has reached a turning point with the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat plan. By meeting the specific needs of its ageing population, the Modi Government is not only improving the quality of life for millions of senior citizens, but it is also showing that it is still committed to making sure everyone has equal access to health care. As the country moves forward, the success of this effort will likely be closely watched. It will show how well the government can keep its promises and deal with the health problems that India's seniors are facing.

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