PM widens ambit of health cover for 70+

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept his poll promise and extended the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all senior citizens who are 70 and above; significantly, there will be no income criteria.

• The extension of health insurance will be regardless of income. PM laments resistance by Bengal and Delhi governments

Even as the prime minister held forth on his scheme, he lamented the failure of the Delhi and West Bengal governments to provide the health cover, claiming that their inaction was driven by "political interests." He expressed regret that senior citizens in these states were missing out on free medical treatment under this expanded program.

"I apologize to all the elderly over 70 in Delhi and West Bengal; I wish I could serve you," he stated, acknowledging their struggles and lamenting his inability to provide support due to a lack of cooperation from state authorities.

Modi revealed that the elderly will receive the 'Ayushman Vaya Vandana' card, enabling them to access free hospital treatment. "While I can assist citizens in other states. I cannot extend the same help to those in Delhi and West Bengal," he remarked.