PM Openly Criticizes Delhi and WB for Not Implementing Ayushman Bharat

Criticizing both Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his dejection that the elderly in these places cannot avail of free treatment under the expanded programme. He mentioned "political interests" to be the reason behind the two state government’s non-participation in the said scheme.

PM Modi's new programme for senior citizens

For the unawares, PM Modi augmented his government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat nationwide to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

The Prime Minister stated, "I apologise to all the elderly aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them. I would get to know about your pains and sufferings but I won't be able to help you. The reason is that the governments in Delhi and West Bengal are not joining the scheme due to their political interests.”

Incidentally, citizens aged above 70 will get free treatment in hospitals through 'the Ayushman Vaya Vandana' card.

"I am able to serve the people of the country but the walls of the political profession are preventing me from serving the elderly people of Delhi and West Bengal," PM Modi added.

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New scheme was introduced to impress Delhi & West Bengal before the elections?

Notably, elections in Delhi are due in 2025 and in West Bengal in 2026. The Prime Minister introduced development projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, remarked that during this year's general elections, he had commited to citizens aged 70 years and above to be brought under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during the third term of his government.

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