The Modi government has given a big gift to the elderly. The central government has included senior citizens of 70 plus years of age in this scope under the Ayushman scheme. Until now, the elderly have not been included in this scope. However, in the Union Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday (September 11), it was decided that the elderly above 70 will also benefit from this scheme.
After the meeting ended, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the press conference and said senior citizens aged 70 and older will now benefit from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The elderly will also be given free treatment facilities up to Rs 5 lakh. This proposal was approved at the Union Cabinet meeting.
In the budget session, PresidentDroupadi Murmu announced the benefit of free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all older people above 70. After the President’s address, the central government has approved it. With this, crores of older adults will benefit from this scheme. This scheme will benefit 6 crore elderly people from 4.5 crore families. However, it will also increase the burden on the government. The government will have to spend Rs 3447 crore every year. At the same time, 55 lakh eligible people below 70 are being provided free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Still, now the government has given a big gift by including the elderly above 70 years of age.
BJP Had Promised In Its Manifesto
In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP promised in its manifesto that if the Modi government is formed for the third time, 70 plus elderly people will also be provided free treatment of Rs 5 lakh. The government has sealed the deal by fulfilling its promise. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, eligible families get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
The Central Government Started The Scheme In 2017
The central government launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme in 2017 under the National Health Policy. The scheme’s benefits have been implemented in all the country’s districts, and people are getting them in about 700 districts. However, many states, including West Bengal, refused to accept this scheme.
Free Treatment In Private and Government Hospitals Of The Country
Under this scheme, treatment can be provided in private and government hospitals. The government bears the cost of treatment 10 days before and after the admission of the patients.
