In a strong statement on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi for opting out of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Modi condemned this as a “tendency to oppress ailing people for political interests,” describing it as “inhuman” and expressing regret over the exclusion of vulnerable populations in these states from federal healthcare benefits.
The Prime Minister’s address came as he introduced a new healthcare initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health insurance scheme for senior citizens.
I extend my apologies to senior citizens aged 70 and above residing in Delhi and West Bengal.
Unfortunately, due to the state governments’ decision not to participate in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, I will be unable to provide assistance.
Regrettably, political interests of… pic.twitter.com/VL5A0pfeVI
— BJP (@BJP4India) October 29, 2024
This scheme, providing an additional Rs 5 lakh in annual health coverage, specifically targets individuals aged over 70, offering relief to around 6 crore senior citizens across India. Those already benefiting from Ayushman Bharat will receive a top-up under the new scheme.
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“There was a time when people’s houses, lands, jewellery were sold for treatment. The soul of the poor trembled on hearing the cost of treatment for a serious disease,” the Prime Minister recalled, highlighting the struggles of impoverished families facing medical costs.
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.https://t.co/eqbS0KJjE2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2024
“I could not see my poor brothers and sisters in this helplessness. That is why the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme was born,” he added, emphasizing that approximately 4 crore Indians have benefited from the scheme so far.
PM Expresses Regret Over Exclusion of West Bengal and Delhi
In a pointed comment, PM Modi expressed his inability to aid elderly citizens in West Bengal and Delhi due to local governments’ refusal to adopt the Ayushman Bharat scheme. “I apologise to the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal for being unable to serve them… the walls of political interests are preventing me from serving the elderly people of Delhi and West Bengal,” he stated.
The scheme’s funding is split 60-40 between the Centre and state governments. West Bengal and Delhi, however, maintain independent health insurance programs, claiming that these state-specific schemes provide superior coverage.
National Health Policy: A Five-Point Vision
PM Modi further outlined five core pillars of India’s healthcare vision:
- Preventive Healthcare: Focusing on early health measures.
- Timely Intervention: Providing swift medical responses.
- Affordable Treatment and Medicines: Ensuring treatments are accessible.
- Enhanced Facilities in Small Cities: Expanding qualified healthcare infrastructure.
- Integration of Advanced Technology: Implementing modern tools for holistic healthcare.
The announcement also included the launch of healthcare projects worth Rs 12,850 crore, strengthening the Centre’s commitment to improve healthcare across India.
Political Fallout of Ayushman Bharat’s Exclusion
The refusal of TMC and AAP to adopt Ayushman Bharat has sparked debate, with supporters of the central government criticizing these states for alleged political motives. Local governments, on the other hand, contend that their programs are more suited to the needs of their residents.
With these new initiatives, PM Modi reaffirms his government’s dedication to ensuring affordable healthcare for all Indians, while the political tug-of-war over healthcare schemes continues.
