Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29 launched an ambitious health scheme for all elderly individuals aged 70 and above to be eligible for free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The scheme extends health coverage to approximately 6 crore senior citizens across India, allowing them access to up to Rs 5 lakh in free annual medical treatments at both government and private hospitals. A significant feature of this new initiative is the elimination of eligibility restrictions based on income, pension, bank balance, land ownership, or pre-existing health conditions. This expansion means that every senior citizen in this age bracket can benefit from free treatment without any financial prerequisites.

Expanding coverage to 40 crore people

Currently, more than 350 million people benefit from the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. With this new inclusion, this number is expected to reach nearly 400 million, allowing the newly eligible elderly population to receive treatments at private hospitals with all costs covered by the government. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, a range of medical expenses are included, covering costs before, during, and after hospitalization, along with all required medical tests, surgeries, and prescribed medications.

Ayushman Bharat: The World’s Largest Health Insurance Program

Launched in 2017 by the Indian government, Ayushman Bharat is one of the world’s most extensive health insurance initiatives, providing annual healthcare support worth Rs 5 lakh to the poorest 40% of India’s population. While the scheme is available nationally, several states, including West Bengal, have opted out, implementing their own healthcare programs for citizens instead. Selected government and private hospitals across the country participate in the scheme, ensuring that eligible patients receive quality healthcare at no cost. It also covers expenses incurred within ten days prior to and following hospital admission.

Comprehensive Coverage, Including Chronic Illnesses

A unique advantage of Ayushman Bharat is its extensive coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions, removing any financial barriers to critical healthcare services. The scheme encompasses all expenses for hospital stays, medical tests, operations, treatments, and even transportation costs, alleviating financial burdens on families. To date, over 55 million people have already availed themselves of healthcare services through the program, illustrating its widespread impact and importance in the nation’s healthcare landscape. With these additional protections for senior citizens, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme continues to strengthen India’s public healthcare infrastructure by prioritizing access, affordability, and coverage for the most vulnerable.