Govt Plans Addtl Packages for Senior Citizens under Ayushman Bharat

The scheme aims to include treatments for prevalent geriatric conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, heart failure, and cancer.

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is poised to enhance its healthcare offerings for senior citizens. The scheme aims to include treatments for prevalent geriatric conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, heart failure, and cancer.

Currently, AB-PMJAY provides approximately 25 health packages specifically targeting elderly care.

However, the government plans to introduce additional packages tailored to seniors' unique healthcare needs.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy to support India's increasing elderly population.

The government intends to include individuals aged 70 and above in the scheme, irrespective of their income status. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the healthcare access of senior citizens across the country.

New Health Packages

The National Health Authority (NHA), which is responsible for implementing AB-PMJAY, is actively developing new health packages. These packages will focus on conditions that frequently require hospitalization among the elderly.

A source within the health ministry shared insights on this initiative, stating, “A committee headed by medical experts reviews health packages regularly, but this is a special case due to the inclusion of a large elderly subgroup. The committee is identifying key health issues requiring hospitalization and will develop packages for timely treatment.”

This expansion is anticipated to assist around 6 Cr individuals from approximately 4.5 Cr families, ensuring senior citizens access to necessary healthcare services.

The new packages will specifically address conditions such as stroke, fractures, heart failure, and cancer, which are commonly seen in the older demographic.

Addressing Financial Challenges

Experts have highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive elderly care, particularly for diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, which often necessitate hospitalization due to related infections.

Dr Prasun Chatterjee, the additional medical superintendent at the National Centre for Ageing, said, “The growing incidence of age-related diseases, especially Alzheimer's and dementia, underscores the urgent need for specialized healthcare services for the elderly population.”

Financial constraints are another significant challenge for many elderly patients. Dr According to Vinay Aggarwal, chairman of the action committee of the Indian Medical Association, elderly patients often struggle to manage the costs of their treatments. Many lack the financial support necessary for proper healthcare, and private insurance is often prohibitively expensive and reluctant to cover senior citizens. “This government scheme is a lifeline for many in need,’’ he added.

Launched in 2018, AB-PMJAY provides an annual health coverage of INR 5 Lakh per family for hospitalization needs. Funded jointly by the central and state governments, it is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance initiative.

The forthcoming changes aim to strengthen the healthcare framework for India's elderly population, ensuring that their needs are met through accessible and affordable healthcare options.

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