Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sharp stance on Tuesday, extending a public apology to elderly citizens over 70 in Delhi and West Bengal who are unable to access the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, India’s flagship health insurance scheme, due to what he called “political interests” blocking its implementation. Speaking at the inauguration of various health initiatives at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) on the 9th Ayurveda Day, Modi underscored his frustration with the state governments, blaming the absence of Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi and West Bengal on partisan agendas that prioritise politics over people.
“I apologise to all the elderly people above 70 years of age in Delhi and all the elderly people above 70 years of age in West Bengal that I will not be able to serve you,” Modi said. “I apologize to them that I will know how you are, I will get the information, but I will not be able to help you, and the reason is that the government in Delhi and the government in West Bengal are not joining this Ayushman Yojana. Elderly in Delhi, Bengal won’t be able to benefit from Ayushman Bharat as their governments are not implementing it for political reasons,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to help but lamenting that “political walls” have created barriers to aid.
Modi directly addressed the actions of these state governments, condemning what he described as the “tendency to oppress the sick people of your own state for your political interests.” He urged that such behavior is “against any humane attitude.” He went on to say, “I can serve the people of the country, but the walls of political profession are preventing me from serving the elderly people of Delhi and West Bengal.”
His remarks spotlighted a larger divide, as Delhi and West Bengal remain among the few states yet to adopt the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, despite its national rollout. Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ayushman Bharat aims to provide free access to healthcare for low-income families, covering up to Rs 5 lakh for hospitalizations.
Modi framed the situation as a tragic example of political interests hindering citizens’ access to essential health services, arguing that the scheme could otherwise serve as a backbone for those in need. “The world is seeing India as a big center of medical and wellness tourism,” he added, suggesting that Ayushman Bharat could amplify India’s potential on the global health stage if universally implemented across states.
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While Modi’s remarks sharply criticized the state governments, he also implied that greater nationwide adoption of Ayushman Bharat would enhance India’s profile in health and wellness, thereby benefiting citizens and furthering national interests. The Prime Minister’s pointed comments reflect mounting pressure on Delhi and West Bengal’s leadership to align with the central government’s health initiatives, sparking further debate on the prioritization of political interests over public welfare.