In a significant move to bolster healthcare accessibility for the elderly, President Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday that all citizens aged above 70 years will be provided free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The announcement was made during her address at the joint session of Parliament in New Delhi.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
- Extension of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a national public health insurance initiative by the central government aimed at providing coverage to low-income earners. President Murmu’s announcement expands this coverage to include free healthcare services for all senior citizens above 70 years.
- Current Beneficiaries: The scheme is already providing free health services to 55 crore beneficiaries across the country. This latest expansion aims to further increase the number of people benefiting from government-supported healthcare.
- Infrastructure Development: Alongside expanding the coverage, the government is also making significant strides in improving healthcare infrastructure. The President highlighted the rapid progress in establishing 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide to ensure the availability of affordable medicines.
Promotion of Traditional Medicine:
President Murmu emphasized India’s commitment to promoting AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) to create a healthier world. She noted that India’s legacy in traditional medicine is gaining international prestige and contributing to global health.
India’s Role on the Global Stage:
Highlighting India’s proactive stance in global crises, President Murmu stated that the country is the first responder in any international crisis and has become a strong voice for the Global South. Whether dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, or conflicts, India has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts.
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