Modi Criticizes AAP and TMC for Ayushman Bharat Delay in Delhi and Bengal
In a highly charged address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) for their failure to implement the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Delhi and West Bengal. Modi expressed his pain over the plight of the elderly in these states who remain deprived of free health treatments under this flagship health assurance scheme, which recently expanded its coverage to include citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.
A Call for Action
Speaking at an event in Delhi, commemorating the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, Modi revealed his disappointment. "I apologize to the elders above 70 years in Delhi and West Bengal. I can feel your pain but am not able to help because the governments in these two states aren’t joining the scheme,” he said. “Due to their political interests, they are acting against the interests of citizens of their own states requiring treatment.”
The Ayushman Bharat Initiative
Launched in 2018, AB-PMJAY serves as the central government’s flagship health scheme aimed at providing an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to economically vulnerable groups. Modi highlighted that nearly four crore poor Indians have reaped the benefits of the program. "Had the scheme not been there, they would have had to shell out around Rs 1.25 lakh crore from their own pockets," he added.
Despite the overwhelming adoption of this scheme across various states, with Odisha recently joining after a political shift, Delhi and West Bengal have remained notable holdouts. Modi’s remarks underscore a growing tension in Indian politics, reflecting the impact of local governments on health initiatives and public well-being.
Major Health Initiatives Unveiled
At the same event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several health projects estimated to be worth over Rs 12,855 crore. The projects span various ministries, including:
- Health and Family Welfare Ministry: Rs 5,502 crore
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals: Rs 5,187 crore
- Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): Rs 1,641 crore
- Ayush Ministry: Rs 525 crore
Among these initiatives, Modi inaugurated the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda and several new medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure further.
Digitizing Healthcare Access
In a push toward digitalization in healthcare, Modi unveiled the U-WIN portal, designed for the digitization of immunization services for pregnant women and children. This move is seen as an effort to enhance access to health services while providing secure digital identities for citizens, reflecting a broader ambition to leverage technology in healthcare, similar to the successful Co-WIN platform used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The world witnessed the success of our Co-WIN platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story,” Modi noted, emphasizing India’s direction toward replicating this success in healthcare through digital public infrastructure.
Implications for the Health Sector
This confrontation between the central government and state authorities raises critical questions about governance and health equity in India. With the AB-PMJAY initiative aiming to facilitate healthcare access for the underprivileged, the lack of cooperation from state governments like Delhi and West Bengal could have dire consequences for those in need of medical support.
As the healthcare sector grapples with disparities in access, the continued debate over the politicization of health initiatives underscores the necessity for collaborative governance that prioritizes citizens’ well-being over political agendas.
Engage with Us
What are your thoughts on the ongoing political dynamics affecting healthcare initiatives in India? How can public health efforts better serve citizens across varying political landscapes? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your views on how we can collectively work towards a healthier nation.
For further information on healthcare policies and initiatives, check related articles on Shorty-News, and explore insights from authoritative sources like TechCrunch and Wired.
This article is crafted to provide accurate and updated information while inviting engagement from readers. The situation surrounding AB-PMJAY serves as a critical reminder of the intersection between politics and healthcare in India.
