Experts applaud government’s initiative to extend health coverage to senior citizens aged 70 and above

Senior citizens aged 70 and above to receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs.5 lakh annually

Experts have praised the Indian government’s recent decision to extend health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the initiative on Wednesday.

Under this expanded scheme, senior citizens will receive free medical treatment up to Rs.5 lakh annually. This significant policy shift is expected to benefit approximately 6 crore elderly individuals across the country.

Abhay Soi, President of NATHEALTH, lauded the move as a “historic shift” in the nation’s approach to elder care. He emphasized that the new coverage addresses the high disease burden among older adults and provides crucial social protection. “This initiative will bolster India’s standing as a leader in inclusive healthcare,” Soi remarked, noting that the benefit package should be tailored to fully encompass the diverse needs of the elderly population. NATHEALTH has expressed its readiness to assist with the scheme’s rollout.

According to a cabinet communique, senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are already covered under the scheme, will receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs.5 lakh annually for themselves, separate from the coverage available to younger family members. For other eligible seniors in this age group, the coverage will be available on a family basis, also up to Rs.5 lakh per year. New, distinct cards will be issued to these senior citizens under the scheme.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad took to social media to commend the government’s decision. “Excellent move by the Government of India to provide health coverage for all people aged 70 and above irrespective of income,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He also advocated for extending health coverage to other age groups, specifically calling for the inclusion of the 60 to 70 age bracket in the scheme by 2029. Dr. Kumar expressed hope that by 2034, comprehensive health coverage could be available for all Indian citizens.

The new policy is seen as a crucial step in enhancing healthcare access for one of the most vulnerable segments of the population and reflects the government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure.

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