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New Delhi, November 30, 2024 – In a landmark move, the Government of India has expanded the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide enhanced healthcare benefits for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. The scheme now offers free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year per family, regardless of socio-economic status, ensuring access to quality medical services for an often-vulnerable age group.
Comprehensive Coverage for Senior Citizens
The expanded scheme provides cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures spanning 27 medical specialties, including General Medicine, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, and General Surgery. Notable procedures available for senior citizens include Hemodialysis, Acute Ischemic Stroke treatment, Total Hip and Knee Replacements, Permanent Pacemaker Implantation, and PTCA with diagnostic angiogram.
States have been granted the flexibility to tailor the Health Benefit Packages to meet local needs, further strengthening the program’s reach and impact.
Focus on Inclusivity
As of November 25, 2024, approximately 14 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued to senior citizens, enabling them to avail of these benefits seamlessly. This initiative targets an estimated 6 crore individuals from 4.5 crore families across the country, making it one of the most inclusive healthcare programs for the elderly.
Significant Financial and Institutional Support
The government has allocated an estimated ₹3,437 crore for the scheme, with ₹2,165 crore earmarked as the central share for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. A robust network of 29,870 empanelled hospitals, including 13,173 private facilities, has been established to deliver the scheme’s benefits efficiently.
Statement from the Health Ministry
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the program’s transformative potential in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that the expansion of AB-PMJAY reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing senior citizens’ health and well-being.
This initiative marks a critical step toward ensuring equitable healthcare access and financial protection for India’s aging population. As the scheme progresses, it is expected to significantly alleviate the healthcare burden for millions of senior citizens and their families.
