New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare support to India’s elderly population, the Union Cabinet has approved an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover every senior citizen above the age of 70. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision during a late evening cabinet briefing on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Under this expanded scheme, senior citizens aged 70 and above will now be eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year, regardless of their socio-economic status. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately six crore senior citizens and 4.5 crore families across India.
Additional Coverage for Families Already in the Scheme
Families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive an additional ₹5 lakh coverage exclusively for their elderly members. A unique card under AB PM-JAY will be issued to eligible senior citizens, ensuring that those aged 70 and above will get a top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year for themselves, which they will not have to share with other family members.
Speaking about the decision, Minister Vaishnaw said, “The extension of health coverage under Ayushman Bharat is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of our elderly citizens. This move will provide them with the necessary financial support for medical treatment, irrespective of their economic standing.”
Five More Key Cabinet Decisions
In addition to the extension of health coverage for senior citizens, the Union Cabinet took several other significant decisions:
- Amendment to Hydropower Scheme: Approval was given for an amendment in the scheme of budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure for hydropower projects.
- PM-eBus Service Scheme: The cabinet gave the green light to the PM-eBus service-payment security mechanism (PSM) scheme, which aims to facilitate the purchase and operation of electric buses by public transport authorities across the country.
- PM Electric Drive Revolution: The government approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution (PM e-Drive) scheme, with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years, to promote innovative vehicle technologies.
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV): Implementation of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was cleared for the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29, aimed at enhancing rural road connectivity.
- ‘Mission Mausam’: A new initiative named ‘Mission Mausam’ was launched to create a more weather-ready and climate-smart India, with a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore over the next two years.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to holistic development, focusing on infrastructure, environment, public transport, and healthcare.
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