The Union Cabinet has approved extending health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme will provide Rs 5 lakh in health insurance coverage for an estimated 6 crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families. Beneficiaries will receive a distinct card under the programme. Those already covered under other public health schemes like CGHS or ECHS can choose between their existing plan or AB PM-JAY.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare, noting that this expansion aims to ensure dignity and security for senior citizens. AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health scheme, offering Rs 5 lakh per family annually for hospital care, benefiting over 55 crore individuals and covering 7.37 crore hospital admissions to date, with nearly half being women.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp