Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret to elderly citizens in Delhi and West Bengal during an address marking the ninth Ayurveda Day. Apologizing to seniors above 70 in these states, he acknowledged that local government resistance has hindered the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a health initiative designed to provide free medical treatment to the economically disadvantaged. Modi’s statement, “I apologize to all elderly above 70,” aimed to address the unavailability of the scheme for seniors in states led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, launched in 2018, is structured to deliver significant health coverage for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations, with the goal of serving low-income families across India. According to the Prime Minister, nearly four crore people nationwide have benefited from the program, which he emphasized as a vital support for India’s vulnerable populations, including the elderly. The scheme, however, remains inaccessible in Delhi and West Bengal due to political resistance from AAP and TMC leadership, which Modi claimed puts local political interests above the healthcare needs of the people.
“Political barriers should not deprive our elderly of necessary healthcare. This scheme is not about politics but about serving the people who need it the most,” said Modi. The Prime Minister’s critique of the state governments underscored the ongoing strain between the central administration and regional authorities over healthcare policies.
In response, AAP leader Sanjay Singh argued that the Ayushman Bharat scheme’s stringent eligibility criteria render it impractical and suggested it was more suited to serve political interests than people’s health needs. Describeng it as a “potential scam,” Singh called for an investigation into the scheme’s implementation in BJP-led states. AAP’s criticism points to allegations of inefficiencies and limited accessibility within the scheme’s framework, which some opposition leaders believe need reform to be truly beneficial.
The Prime Minister’s address highlights not only the pressing healthcare concerns for India’s elderly population but also the ongoing political friction between the central government and state administrations over policies intended for public welfare.
