PM Modi's Ayushman Bharat Scheme Faces Criticism From AAP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme citing “political interests” in those states. PM Modi expressed disappointment over the lack of free healthcare for the elderly in these states apologizing to those aged 70 and above who are unable to benefit from the scheme while launching the Ayushman Bharat Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for senior citizens above 70 years on Tuesday.
“I apologise to all the elderly aged above 70 years of Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them health insurance scheme,” he said.
Prime Minister @narendramodi launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to extend healthcare coverage to all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of socio-economic status.
This ensures accessible and affordable care for all senior citizens.… pic.twitter.com/vVLBR3219p
— PIB India (@PIB_India) October 29, 2024
Following this, Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister hit back at Modi, accusing him of politicising public health issues.
Kejriwal suggested that PM Modi study Delhi’s healthcare model and replace Ayushman Bharat with it nationwide for genuine benefits. He claimed that no one has benefited from Ayushman Bharat, whereas Delhi’s government scheme provides free medical treatment to all residents.
मोदी की ‘आयुष्मान भारत योजना’ नहीं, धोखा है‼️ pic.twitter.com/F21s8acaBH
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) October 29, 2024
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj labelled Ayushman Bharat a “failed” scheme, stating that poor patients from neighbouring states seek treatment in Delhi hospitals due to the lack of free treatment in their own states.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh also criticised the scheme pointing out its impractical eligibility criteria.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme which was launched in 2018, aims to provide health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. However, its implementation has been marred by controversies and criticisms. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has reportedly found irregularities in the scheme.
Priyanka Kakkar, Chief National Spokesperson AAP said: “Health is the most important issue of this country and we are sensitive towards it, hence we spend 16% of the total budget on health in Delhi. Modi ji should leave the scam of ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’ and study the Health Policy of Delhi and implement it in the whole country.”
Health इस देश का सबसे जरूरी मुद्दा है और हम इसके लिए संवेदनशील हैं इसलिए दिल्ली में Health पर कुल बजट का 16% खर्च करते हैं।
मोदी जी को ‘आयुष्मान भारत योजना’ का Scam छोड़कर दिल्ली की Health Policy का अध्ययन करना चाहिए और पूरे देश में इसे लागू करना चाहिए।
–@PKakkar_ pic.twitter.com/dU6aFDnt5a
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) October 30, 2024
Also, read| Citizens Aged Over 70 To Be Covered Under Rs 5 Lakh Health Coverage: Centre
