Prime Minister Narendra Modi will expand the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health coverage on October 29th, offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. This initiative, launching on Ayurveda Day, will provide senior citizens with an additional layer of healthcare security, complementing existing schemes.
This article examines the state of India’s public health system, highlighting the government’s shift towards private sector-driven healthcare at the expense of strengthening public healthcare infrastructure. The author criticizes the government’s reliance on health insurance schemes like PMJAY, arguing that they primarily benefit private hospitals while neglecting the needs of the poor and vulnerable populations. The article concludes by expressing concern about the erosion of trust in public healthcare institutions and the potential consequences for public health.
