PM Modi Expands Ayushman Bharat: Citizens Above 70 Now Eligible For Free Healthcare Coverage
Modi inaugurated a series of developmental initiatives valued at nearly Rs 12,850 crore, while also extending the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 and above
Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated a series of developmental initiatives valued at nearly Rs 12,850 crore, while also extending the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 and above. The health sector received a significant boost with these projects, announced during the ninth Ayurveda Day and coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the revered Hindu god of medicine.
As part of the announcements, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Phase II of India's premier All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi. The new facilities include a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-up incubation center, and a 500-seat auditorium, enhancing India’s capacity for Ayurvedic research and treatment.
Drone-Enabled Healthcare Services
Modi launched drone services across 11 tertiary healthcare institutions, aimed at improving healthcare access and enhancing service delivery. These institutions include AIIMS centers in Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Bilaspur, Raebareli, Raipur, Mangalagiri, and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.
In addition, a helicopter emergency medical service from AIIMS Rishikesh was launched, facilitating faster medical care delivery in remote areas.
Launch of U-WIN Vaccination Portal
The Prime Minister also introduced the U-WIN portal, a fully digital platform designed to ensure the timely administration of vaccines to pregnant women and children (birth to 16 years). This initiative will cover 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, bolstering the nation's preventive healthcare.
Database for Healthcare Professionals
In line with creating a skilled and accessible healthcare workforce, Modi launched a centralised portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes, which will serve as a comprehensive database of healthcare professionals across India.
New Medical Colleges and Expanded Facilities
To address India's healthcare infrastructure needs, Modi inaugurated three new medical colleges in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh. He also extended services and facilities at various AIIMS campuses, including Bilaspur, Kalyani, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Guwahati, as well as inaugurated a Jan Aushadhi Kendra in New Delhi.
In Chhattisgarh, Modi inaugurated a Super Speciality Block at the Government Medical College in Bilaspur and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.
New Healthcare Facilities and Critical Care Infrastructure
The Prime Minister laid the foundation for five nursing colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, Modi announced 21 critical care blocks across Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.
Further inaugurations included an ESIC hospital in Indore and foundation stones for more such facilities in Faridabad, Bommasandra, Narasapur, Indore, Meerut, and Atchutapuram, aimed at serving nearly 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.
Boost to Healthcare R&D and Manufacturing
In a move to support the “Make in India” initiative, Modi inaugurated facilities under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kakinada, and Nalagarh. These units will produce high-end medical devices like body implants and critical care equipment, as well as essential bulk drugs.
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