25000 New Generic Medicine Stores
In a significant move aimed at bolstering healthcare access for the elderly, the Indian government has announced that all citizens aged 70 and above will now be eligible for free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This announcement was made by President Droupadi Murmu during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament.
This expansion of the AB-PMJAY, the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, marks a critical step in addressing the healthcare needs of India’s growing elderly population. The scheme currently provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation, benefiting 55 crore beneficiaries across the nation. This latest inclusion will ensure even wider access to essential medical services for seniors.
The decision comes in response to the significant gap in healthcare coverage for the elderly. Studies indicate that only 20% of people over the age of 60 are covered under existing health schemes. This move by the government aims to bridge this gap and provide a safety net for senior citizens.
Alongside the expansion of AB-PMJAY, the government is also accelerating the establishment of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India. These generic drug stores offer medicines at significantly lower prices, often 50% to 90% less than branded versions, making quality healthcare more accessible to all.
The government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, coupled with the expansion of AB-PMJAY and the growing network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, signifies a proactive approach towards ensuring universal healthcare access in India. These initiatives are expected to have a significant positive impact on the well-being of all citizens, particularly the elderly who often face greater healthcare challenges.
