In a significant development for senior citizens in India, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is set to expand its coverage to include treatments for chronic illnesses commonly affecting the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart failure, and other serious conditions. Currently, the scheme offers around 25 health packages focused on geriatric care, but the National Health Authority (NHA) is actively working to introduce more comprehensive packages tailored to the needs of older adults.

The initiative comes in light of the increasing number of beneficiaries, particularly as the government plans to extend the scheme to cover senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income level. This move is expected to significantly impact approximately 4.5 crore families who will gain access to essential health services.

Expert Committee Review

A committee of medical experts regularly reviews health packages under AB-PMJAY. This particular case, however, focuses specifically on the geriatric population, a large subgroup of beneficiaries whose unique health challenges necessitate specialized care. The committee is tasked with identifying prevalent health issues among seniors, especially those requiring hospitalization, and developing relevant health packages to ensure timely and effective treatment.

Dr. Prasun Chatterjee, additional medical superintendent at the National Centre for Ageing, emphasized the importance of addressing conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are increasingly common among the elderly and can lead to heightened risks of infections and hospitalization. “Acute conditions affecting seniors include heart failure, fractures, and cancer, among others,” he noted.

Support for Vulnerable Seniors

Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, chairman of the action committee of the India Medical Association, highlighted the pressing need for such a scheme, particularly for elderly individuals suffering from serious illnesses or comorbidities. “Many elderly people lack support systems, with some facing financial constraints, especially if their children are unavailable or unwilling to assist them. The government scheme can serve as a crucial lifeline during health crises,” he stated. He pointed out that private health insurance options are often prohibitively expensive and reluctant to cover senior citizens.

A Comprehensive Health Assurance Initiative

Launched in 2018, AB-PMJAY is touted as the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme. It provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, benefiting 55 crore individuals from 12.3 crore poor and vulnerable families across the country. The scheme is jointly funded by the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio, ensuring a sustainable model for healthcare coverage.

The expansion of AB-PMJAY to include a greater focus on geriatric health is a promising step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by India’s aging population. As the government continues to refine and enhance the program, it aims to provide much-needed support and security for senior citizens navigating the complexities of healthcare in their golden years.

In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by the NHA and the health ministry demonstrate a commitment to improving health outcomes for the elderly, offering hope for timely and affordable medical care for a demographic that often faces significant healthcare barriers.