PM Modi Expands Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Include All Seniors 70 and Above, Launches U-Win Portal for Healthcare Digitization

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) health insurance scheme to cover all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above. Approved by the Union Cabinet in September, the initiative seeks to provide universal health coverage for senior citizens, benefiting an estimated 45 million families by offering free health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh per family. This expansion, initially announced by PM Modi in April, is designed to strengthen India’s healthcare system, particularly for the elderly, regardless of their income or existing health insurance policies.

According to the Union Cabinet’s press release, senior citizens eligible under other health schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman CAPF scheme, can either remain with their current plan or opt for coverage under AB PM-JAY. The move aims to streamline access to quality healthcare for older citizens and addresses India’s aging population, providing financial support for medical treatments without income restrictions.

PM Modi formally launched this expansion in New Delhi, where he emphasized that ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations has been a cornerstone of his administration’s goals. He expressed personal satisfaction with the scheme’s impact, noting that approximately four crore economically disadvantaged citizens have already benefited from AB PM-JAY, receiving treatment without paying a rupee. The scheme now extends to all seniors over 70 through the newly introduced “Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.” This universal health card grants free hospital treatment to older individuals, ensuring that poverty or income class will not limit healthcare access.

To further support health infrastructure, the government also unveiled the U-Win portal, a digital platform designed to enhance immunization services for pregnant women and children. This portal aims to provide secure digital identities for citizens, enabling easier access to immunization records and health services. The U-Win platform marks a step toward integrating technology into public health initiatives, with a vision of improving service delivery and efficiency.

Additionally, five new production plants have been inaugurated under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. These facilities, located in Vapi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kakinada, and Nalagarh, underscore the government’s commitment to boosting India’s domestic manufacturing capacity in healthcare. This PLI initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports for bulk drugs and medical equipment, fostering a self-sustained healthcare ecosystem.

Another highlight of the event was the launch of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across four National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and specialized CoEs dedicated to Ayush research. These centers are expected to advance research, training, and innovation in pharmaceuticals and traditional Indian medicine, fostering expertise and development in the healthcare sector.

As Team Maverick, Modi’s cabinet has spearheaded these initiatives to promote inclusive and accessible healthcare. These policies reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to enhance India’s healthcare sector and to make healthcare services accessible to all citizens, especially the elderly and vulnerable. This approach not only ensures equitable treatment across income groups but also empowers senior citizens to access essential medical services without financial stress.

The administration’s efforts, including the AB PM-JAY extension, U-Win portal, and CoEs, signify a progressive step towards universal healthcare. This comprehensive strategy showcases the commitment of Team Maverick to address India’s healthcare challenges, supporting a healthier and more secure future for all citizens.