The government's move to provide health coverage to all persons aged 70 years and above will bring much-needed relief to millions of families and is a significant milestone in providing essential healthcare services to the elderly, industry players said on Thursday.
The Union Cabinet had on Wednesday approved health coverage to all persons aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) irrespective of their income, benefiting around six crore senior citizens.
The Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover would benefit senior citizens of around 4.5 crore families.
Reacting to the announcement, Healthcare industry body NATHEALTH President Abhay Soi said, "We believe this initiative will bring much-needed relief to millions of families and strengthen India's position as a leader in inclusive healthcare".
The benefit package needs to be tailored to the population segment so that it encompasses the entire continuum of care, he said, adding th
