PM Modi Criticizes Delhi and Bengal for Excluding Elderly from Ayushman Bharat

On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme

On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, citing “political interests” behind their decision. He expressed regret that elderly citizens in these states cannot benefit from the newly expanded health coverage. The Prime Minister, visibly moved, apologized to senior citizens aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal, saying, “I apologize to all the elderly above 70 years…I would learn about your pains and sufferings, but I won’t be able to help you.” Modi highlighted that the scheme, which aims to provide free treatment and medical assistance to older people, will benefit people in other states but not those in Delhi and West Bengal due to the respective state government’s reluctance to implement it.

As part of this expanded coverage, eligible seniors will receive an ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana’ card, granting access to free treatment in various hospitals. In addition to expanding Ayushman Bharat, PM Modi launched several developmental projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore on the ninth Ayurveda Day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine. Modi mentioned that during this year’s general elections, he had pledged to extend Ayushman Bharat to those aged 70 and above. “This guarantee is being fulfilled today,” he said. His statement underscored the government’s commitment to supporting elderly citizens’ healthcare needs across the country while lamenting that political barriers obstruct similar support for those in Delhi and West Bengal.