National Desk
13 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The government is set to launch a new health coverage scheme aimed at providing free medical care for all citizens aged 70 years and above. The National Health Authority (NHA), which oversees the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), is currently assessing the need to add more health packages specifically for the elderly.
Official sources indicate that the scheme is likely to roll out by the end of this month, benefiting around 6 crore senior citizens from approximately 4.5 crore families. Under this plan, individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status, will be eligible for free treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh at any AB-PMJAY-listed hospital.
To avail the benefits, senior citizens will need to acquire an Ayushman card, which will grant them access to the extended scheme. According to an official source, eligibility will be determined based on the individual’s age as mentioned on their Aadhaar card.
This initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare support to the elderly population, ensuring that both rich and poor senior citizens receive the medical attention they need without financial burden. The new scheme is expected to significantly ease healthcare challenges for older citizens across the country.