Modi Criticizes Delhi and West Bengal for Ayushman Bharat Implementation Issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a firm stance against the Delhi and West Bengal governments on Tuesday, accusing them of failing to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to “political interests.” Speaking at an event marking the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, Modi expressed his disappointment that elderly residents in these states are missing out on essential healthcare benefits.
During his address, Modi announced an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, introducing the ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana’ card to facilitate free hospital treatment for this demographic. “I apologize to all the elderly aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them… the walls of the political profession are preventing me from serving the elderly,” he stated, emphasizing the human cost of political maneuvering.
Political Context and Future Elections
Modi’s remarks come in light of upcoming elections in Delhi (2025) and West Bengal (2026), where political dynamics may influence the implementation of welfare programs. The Prime Minister reiterated that political considerations should not obstruct health initiatives that serve vulnerable populations.
Milestones of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Highlighting the scheme’s success, Modi revealed that nearly four crore underprivileged individuals have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Without this program, he noted, these beneficiaries would have faced medical expenses amounting to around Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
Modi remarked on the transformative impact of the scheme, stating, “I often interact with beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme… no such beneficial scheme existed in the past.” He asserted that the government’s priority remains to alleviate the medical financial burden on both the poor and middle class.
Healthcare Advancements and Infrastructure Growth
The Prime Minister also unveiled new healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of over 14,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which provide medicines at a substantial discount. He noted that these centers have enabled citizens to save around Rs 30,000 crore on medications, with significant reductions in the costs of essential medical devices.
Moreover, Modi pointed out the establishment of over 200,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across India, designed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing healthcare costs.
Technology and Digital Health Initiatives
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging technology in healthcare through initiatives like the e-Sanjeevani scheme, which has provided online consultations to over 30 crore people. He announced the launch of the U-win platform, aiming to enhance India’s healthcare interface, echoing the success of the Co-win platform during the pandemic.
Achievements in Medical Education and AYUSH
Modi celebrated the significant growth in India’s healthcare infrastructure, contrasting current advancements with historical stagnation. He cited the establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges, promising that no aspiring medical student from a poor or middle-class background would have to seek education abroad due to a lack of opportunities in India.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the increasing demand for AYUSH practitioners and the rising potential for medical and wellness tourism, urging youth to prepare for new opportunities in preventive care and Ayurveda.
