NEW DELHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out a health coverage plan under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) for citizens aged 70 and above. This initiative aims to provide free health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually, offering relief from healthcare expenses for elderly citizens regardless of income level. This significant expansion of PM-JAY covers approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families, providing access to treatment in enrolled hospitals with a special Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. 

PM Modi posted on social media platform X and said, "Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority. Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens."

The initiative aims to reduce the healthcare burden on families with aging members, ensuring financial protection and wider access to healthcare for elderly citizens. Additionally, the Prime Minister launched U-WIN, a digital health services platform modeled after the Co-WIN app used during COVID-19 vaccinations, which aims to streamline healthcare resources across India. This expanded digital infrastructure aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility through technology.

The scheme’s launch on Dhanvantari Jayanti also aligns with initiatives to promote Ayurveda, blending traditional and modern medical practices. Modi emphasized that promoting Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and turmeric on global platforms could increase their market value significantly. 

Those senior citizens, aged 70 years and above, who are using other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will have to make a choice between their current scheme or opt for Ayushman Bharat scheme.

According to the Ministry of Health, the AB PM-JAY scheme covers 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, comprising the bottom 40 per cent of India's population, under the scheme. Till September 1, 2024, a total of 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private hospitals, have been empanelled to provide treatment to citizens under the PMJAY scheme.