Mains Marathon

Approach:

• Introduce AB-PMJAY, mentioning its recent expansion briefly.
• Discuss how the extension impacts elderly healthcare in terms of accessibility, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

The recent expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, marks a major advancement in India’s healthcare system. This initiative will benefit over 6 crore elderly individuals across 4.5 crore families, promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Body:

• Accessibility
  
  • Senior citizens without existing coverage will now receive family-based health insurance of ₹5 lakh annually under AB PM-JAY.
  • Those already covered by private insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) are also eligible, ensuring universal inclusion.
  • Beneficiaries of public schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) can choose between their current scheme and AB PM-JAY, promoting portability and flexibility.
• Affordability
  
  • The scheme offers a top-up of ₹5 lakh for senior citizens in families already enrolled under AB PM-JAY, ensuring they do not need to share coverage with younger members.
  • Reduces reliance on out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) in India.
  • Especially beneficial for elderly facing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, who have high hospitalization needs.
• Sustainability
  
  • As mandated, third-party evaluations are necessary for the scheme’s continuation beyond March 2026, enhancing transparency and accountability.
  • Integration with the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) can prevent overlap and optimize resource allocation.
  • Strengthening rural health infrastructure is essential for equitable implementation, particularly in underserved regions.

Conclusion:

The expansion of AB PM-JAY to all citizens aged 70 and above is a landmark step in building a dignified, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system. Its long-term success depends on fiscal discipline, data integration, and infrastructure strengthening, ensuring that India’s elderly population receives the care they deserve.