Shafaqna India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the governments of Delhi and West Bengal on Tuesday for failing to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, citing “political interests” as the primary reason. He expressed his disappointment that elderly citizens in these regions are unable to access free treatment under the expanded program.
During his announcement, Modi extended the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 and above. “I apologize to all elderly individuals in Delhi and West Bengal aged 70 and above that I cannot serve you. I hear your pains and sufferings, but I am unable to assist you,” he stated.
He accused the Delhi and West Bengal governments of being resistant to joining the scheme for political reasons, highlighting that the oppressive approach towards the health needs of their own citizens contradicts the principles of humanity.
Elderly individuals above 70 will receive free hospital treatment and be issued an ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana’ card, Modi announced.
He remarked, “I am ready to serve the people of the country, but political barriers are preventing me from helping the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal.” With elections scheduled in Delhi for 2025 and in West Bengal for 2026, his comments resonate with the political landscape.
Modi, who inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, reiterated his commitment made during the general election to include senior citizens in the Ayushman Bharat scheme in his government’s third term.
“This promise is being fulfilled today,” he stated, emphasizing his determination to relieve the poor and middle class from the burden of expensive medical treatments. He noted that nearly four crore underprivileged individuals have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).