New Delhi, October 30 (IANS). PM Modi launched free health cover for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Launching the scheme, he said that senior citizens aged 70 years and above can avail free hospital treatment with Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
The expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to extend health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above was first approved by the Union Cabinet in September. This is in addition to the existing Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Parivar Yojana, in which the elderly will get a separate cover of Rs 5 lakh annually.
India’s elderly population will be expected to double by 2050. With which the demand for old age care of this elderly population will increase. By 2050, one in five people will be elderly.
PM Modi said, “Every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital through Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
He further said that this card is universal and there is no limit on income, be it poor, middle class or upper class. Health coverage has been expanded to all senior citizens at a cost of Rs 3,437 crore.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said, “The health policy presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has two characteristics. First, it is holistic; it takes into account all aspects of preventive, promotional, therapeutic, rehabilitative and palliative care.”
The effort to bring all the other facilities under one roof is very important and will always be remembered.”
Industry experts have also lauded the move to provide health cover to all people aged 70 years and above, which will benefit around 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens.
Abhay Soi, Chairman, NatHealth and Chairman and Managing Director, Max Health Care Institute, said, “This initiative is an important step in elder care, which will be helpful in reducing the burden of major diseases. The country’s position will also become stronger.
Data show that only 20 percent of the elderly are covered by any health insurance, with further variation across socio-economic categories. Most of the elderly suffer from one or more major illnesses and face challenges related to activities of daily living as they age.
—IANS
SKT/KR
