Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated various health projects worth approximately ₹12,850 crore, marking a significant expansion in India’s healthcare infrastructure. Notably, he formally launched a health insurance scheme aimed at senior citizens aged over 70. This scheme, a campaign promise by the BJP, offers free hospital treatment to every senior citizen above 70 through the "Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card," regardless of income level.
This scheme is expected to benefit 40 lakh senior citizens in Bihar alone and may bolster BJP’s influence ahead of state elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and, subsequently, Delhi and Bihar.
However, states like Delhi and West Bengal, which have not adopted the scheme, could see BJP turn that into a campaign slogan for the state government's lack of support. As the campaign picks up for Jharkhand and Maharashtra, BJP leaders would use the benefits for senior citizens as a major talking point.
In addition to this scheme, Modi announced the establishment of four Ayush Centers of Excellence and initiatives to enhance health services, such as using drones for healthcare delivery and expanding facilities in AIIMS centres across Rishikesh, New Delhi, Bilaspur, and five other AIIMS locations.
Further emphasising affordable healthcare, Modi highlighted the impact of 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide medicines at an 80% discount, and other public health campaigns like the Mission Indradhanush. Additionally, over the last decade, nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added, with a goal of creating 75,000 more in the next five years, the Prime Minister asserted.
In support of the Make in India initiative, Modi inaugurated five medical projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, promoting local production of high-end medical devices and essential bulk drugs across Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. These new units will produce advanced medical equipment, including body implants and critical care devices.
