LAGATAR24 DESK
New Delhi: In a sharp critique of the AAP government in Delhi and the TMC regime in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret on Tuesday for being unable to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to elderly citizens in these states. At a program marking the expansion of Ayushman Bharat to cover all citizens aged 70 and above, PM Modi apologized directly to seniors in Delhi and Bengal, citing political hurdles as the reason for their exclusion.
“I apologize to all elderly people above 70 years of age in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve you,” PM Modi said, attributing the blockage to the “political interests” of both regional governments. “The tendency to oppress the sick people of your own state for political interests is against any humane attitude,” he added, emphasizing that his hands were tied by the decisions of the state governments.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme expansion, which now includes the issuance of an ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana’ card for free hospital treatment, was launched on Ayurveda Day and commemorated the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu deity associated with medicine.
AAP Criticizes Ayushman Bharat Eligibility Requirements
In response to PM Modi’s remarks, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) countered that the Ayushman Bharat scheme is impractical for Delhi residents due to stringent eligibility criteria. “If you own a refrigerator, a motorcycle, or have an income above Rs 10,000, you cannot avail of Ayushman Bharat benefits,” said AAP leader Sanjay Singh. He further criticized the scheme as one of the “biggest scams in BJP-led states” and called for data from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to expose alleged fraud.
The disagreement reflects the ongoing political tension over healthcare policy, as senior citizens in Delhi and Bengal remain excluded from Ayushman Bharat benefits, while the central government presses forward with its expanded health coverage for seniors.
