Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizes the Delhi and West Bengal governments for their refusal to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, leaving senior citizens aged 70 and above unable to access the benefits. In his speech, Modi calls out these governments for prioritizing their political interests over the well-being of their citizens, pointing out the success of his government's health initiatives such as the establishment of affordable medicine centers.
Background:
Ayushman Bharat is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide comprehensive health cover to poor and vulnerable populations in India, including senior citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme covers hospital expenses for up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Criticism:
In recent months, the Ayushman Bharat scheme has come under fire from the Prime Minister and other officials due to its slow implementation in certain states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has specifically criticized the governments of Delhi and West Bengal for their refusal to implement the scheme.
According to Modi, these governments are prioritizing their political interests over the well-being of their citizens by denying them access to the scheme's benefits. He has also pointed out the success of his government's other health initiatives, such as the establishment of affordable medicine centers.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
The governments of Delhi and West Bengal have not officially stated their reasons for refusing to implement Ayushman Bharat. However, some possible reasons include concerns about the allocation of funds, the potential impact on their own health schemes, and political differences with the central government.
Ayushman Bharat provides comprehensive health cover for hospital expenses up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. It covers all pre-hospitalization, hospitalization, and post-hospitalization expenses, including medicines, diagnostic tests, and transportation.
Ayushman Bharat is available to individuals and families who meet certain socioeconomic criteria. These criteria include income, caste, occupation, and residence.
You can apply for Ayushman Bharat through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) website or by visiting your nearest Common Service Center (CSC). You will need to provide proof of identity, address, and income.
Some of the controversies surrounding Ayushman Bharat include concerns about its slow implementation, alleged irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries, and the potential impact on the private healthcare sector.
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