DELHI Delhi. Industry players on Thursday said the government’s move to extend health coverage to all those aged 70 years and above will provide much-needed relief to millions of families and is a significant milestone in providing essential healthcare services to the elderly. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved health coverage to all those aged 70 years and above regardless of their income under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), which will benefit about six crore senior citizens. The free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh will benefit senior citizens from about 4.5 crore families.
Reacting to the announcement, Abhay Soi, chairman of healthcare industry body NATHEALTH, said, “We believe this initiative will bring much-needed relief to millions of families and strengthen India’s position as a leader in inclusive healthcare”. He said the benefit package should be tailored to the population segment so that it covers the entire continuum of care. He said NATHEALTH is ready to support the government with the rollout. Similarly, Anil Matai, Director General of the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), described the initiative as “an important milestone in providing essential healthcare services to the elderly”. He added, “This is undoubtedly a significant step towards promoting a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem and OPPI welcomes this move.”
