Healthcare experts welcome Ayushman Bharat’s expanded coverage for seniors over 70

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement on October 29, 2024, to extend Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health coverage to all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, has drawn a positive response from healthcare experts. Experts across the industry have commended the government’s move, highlighting its potential to make advanced treatment accessible to senior citizens.

Dr Manisha Karmarkar, CEO, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune: 

“The announcement of health cover is a significant enabler that will empower one of the most sensitive demographics to secure them against major health concerns. Earlier, this age group at a massive level was not able to avail of treatment benefits from advanced healthcare facilities owing to multiple reasons, the primary concern being unaffordability. The launch of this health cover under PMJAY will help them to avail quality treatment facilities which otherwise used to be a financial burden for them or their families.

Overall, this move along with other developments launched comes as a festive bonanza,  that will give a significant boost to the Indian healthcare infrastructure, thus making major strides towards the goal of healthcare for all.”

Prabhat Srivastava- Founder, VitusCare :

“With the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, we foresee a transformative enhancement in access to essential healthcare services. This initiative is poised to address critical gaps in care, particularly for the elderly who require vital & chronic treatments such as dialysis. We anticipate a surge in collaborative partnerships between public and private sectors, resulting in improved infrastructure and more efficient service delivery. As the scheme evolves, we hope it will not only broaden coverage but also emphasise preventive care measures, ultimately fostering a healthier population. This represents a crucial step toward ensuring that every individual, regardless of their economic status, has access to the quality healthcare they deserve.”

Abhay Soi, President, NATHEALTH and Chairman & Managing Director, Max Healthcare Institute Limited:

“NATHEALTH applauds the Government’s expansion of PMJAY to provide health coverage for all citizens aged 70. This initiative marks a pivotal step in elder care, extending support to a segment with a high disease burden, pressing need for enhanced healthcare access and reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in inclusive healthcare.

NATHEALTH has consistently advocated for measures to ensure the scheme’s long-term viability, emphasising the importance of equitable reimbursement rates, timely payments to participating hospitals, and sustained engagement with the private sector. NATHEALTH stands ready to support the Government in tailoring the scheme to address the specific needs of senior citizens, ensuring a comprehensive continuum of care.”

Joydeep Ghosh, Partner, and Industry Leader for Life Sciences & Healthcare at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP:

“The additional health benefits provided under the AB-PMJAY scheme will not only enhance but will also expedite its adoption by the most vulnerable section of the society. It will increase the effectiveness of the social infrastructure of the country and will provide quality healthcare to the elderly population at no additional cost.”

Anil Matai, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI):

“We commend the government’s far-reaching steps, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure through a series of transformative projects. These initiatives reflect a commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible across the country and underscore the critical role that health plays in building a resilient and prosperous nation.
A key development in this vision is the expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which now includes health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income. This extension is a monumental step in providing India’s elderly population with financial protection and healthcare support, reducing the healthcare burden on families and enhancing the country’s commitment to inclusive care.
In support of a robust healthcare ecosystem, the launch of a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, along with several projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs, marks another milestone. These initiatives are set to strengthen India’s R&D and testing infrastructure, as well as its manufacturing capabilities for high-end medical devices and critical care equipment. They are essential to promoting self-reliance and fostering growth within the healthcare sector under the Make in India initiative.
Notably, the launch of the U-WIN portal to digitalize immunization services represents a transformative step for preventive healthcare. By providing timely access to vaccines for nearly 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually, it will lead to saving countless lives and will advance India’s public health objectives. Such an approach, focused on early intervention and preventative care, is instrumental in reducing healthcare burdens before they arise.
OPPI remains dedicated to supporting these transformative efforts, which stand to make lasting contributions to India’s healthcare landscape, promoting a healthier, more resilient, and self-sustaining nation.”