President Murmu Announces Free Health Coverage to Citizens Aged 70 & Above

The President in her speech highlighted several healthcare initiatives along with the progress of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

President Droupadi Murmu has announced that all citizens aged 70 or above will receive free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

This declaration was made during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday for the first time after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha.

During her speech, President Murmu reiterated Govt’s 100-Day Health Agenda that extended the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to cover all citizens aged 70 years and above.

"Further, the Government is going to take yet another decision in this area. Now all the elderly above 70 years of age will also be covered and get the benefit of free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana," she said.

This expansion seeks to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to a vulnerable population segment, ensuring access to quality medical services without financial strain.

The President in her speech highlighted several healthcare initiatives along with the progress of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

“My Government is providing free health services to 55 crore beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The opening of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country is also progressing at a fast pace,’’ the President observed in her speech.

Additionally, President Murmu noted the rapid establishment of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, which aim to provide affordable medicines to the public.

Last year, President Murmu officially launched the 'Ayushman Bhavah' campaign. The scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is a comprehensive nationwide healthcare program with the goal of providing extensive healthcare services to every village and town across India.

This initiative aligns with the vision of creating 'Healthy Villages' and 'Healthy Gram Panchayats,' laying the foundation for achieving Universal Health Coverage throughout the country.

In the joint sitting of Parliament, the President also highlighted India's advancements in the healthcare sector.

“India is emerging as a leader in every sector, from IT to tourism, and from health to wellness. And this is creating a large number of new opportunities for employment and self-employment,” the President noted.

In an event, President Murmu said India is becoming an international healthcare hub on the strength of institutions such as ILBS by providing world-class health services at relatively low cost.

In April, President at the 4th convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, said that using the latest technology in the interest of society should be the priority of institutions such as AIIMS Rishikesh.

She also emphasized the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. The President noted that these will continue to increase in the field of diagnostics and treatment.

Murmu further hoped that these changes would be increasingly put to efficient use by AIIMS Rishikesh. She also applauded AIIMS Rishikesh for striving to move forward in the field of CAR T-cell therapy and Stem Cell Research.