Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Cover Senior Citizens Aged 70+ Regardless of Income Starting Next Week

The enrollment process for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is set to commence next week, extending comprehensive health coverage to this age group irrespective of income. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate this significant initiative on Tuesday, alongside other health projects, including the launch of the UWIN app.

The UWIN app, a new platform developed by the government, is designed to record every vaccination event for pregnant women and children as part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). By streamlining immunization data and appointment scheduling, the app is expected to enhance healthcare access and coordination across India.

Last month, the government approved a policy to provide health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh annually on a family basis for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the AB-PMJAY scheme. Pilot projects conducted in various regions of India have assessed the scheme’s readiness for full implementation, with a positive response reported by officials.

The inclusion of this age group under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella is expected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for senior citizens, who are often at higher risk of requiring medical intervention. According to officials, the UWIN app will also serve as a tool to schedule healthcare appointments for seniors, ensuring more accessible and efficient services.

This move aligns with India’s continued efforts to provide universal healthcare access to vulnerable sections of society, marking another milestone in the country’s health infrastructure expansion.

Source: Times of India