Scheme that provides relief for elderly people

Old age is a time of health struggles. Our elderly population includes those who suffer from diseases and experience distress due to physical difficulties. The younger generation doesn't even have time to talk to them. Many elderly individuals are confined to their homes, unable to venture out, and are left to spend their days in solitude. If they are neglected and don't receive visits from others, old age can become an unbearable and tormenting experience. In India, old age is often accompanied by financial insecurity for the majority of the population, owing to various factors. A substantial amount of money is required for medical treatments and other expenses. While it can be said that children have a responsibility to take care of their parents, the reality is that due to work-related migrations and other circumstances, this often does not happen in practice.

In this situation, the responsibility to care for them also falls on the government. In Western countries, while taxes may be higher, there is a sense of security that the government will provide support during old age. In India, it is essential that comprehensive measures are implemented soon to ensure similar support and care for the elderly. Anyway, the Modi government has taken a significant step in that direction by approving the Ayushman Bharat free treatment scheme, which provides a medical benefit of up to five lakhs for those above 70. Under this scheme, everyone above the age of 70 will be eligible for a free medical benefit of up to five lakhs per year. This was one of the main promises in the BJP's election manifesto. The biggest feature of the scheme is that there is no income limit for families to enrol in it.

One might ask, why are billionaires like Ambani and Adani being given this benefit? If an income limit is set for this, the bureaucracy will find a reason to deny the benefit to most people! It's commendable that this situation has been avoided. Moreover, Ambani and Adani won't come to avail this benefit of five lakhs for treatment. Even prominent political leaders seek medical treatment abroad. However, this scheme will benefit around 4.5 crore families with approximately 6 crore senior citizens. If there are multiple senior citizens in a family, they can share the benefit. Meanwhile, senior citizens who are already part of the Ayushman scheme will also receive additional protection of up to Rs 5 lakh.

New beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a PM-JAY card. Another notable feature is that those with private insurance and those covered under the ESI scheme will also receive Ayushman Bharat coverage as additional protection. The central government has earmarked ₹3,437 crore for the new scheme. Currently, 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. It has been announced that registration in Kerala will begin as soon as the scheme's guidelines are received. It can be expected that everyone over the age of 70 will utilize this opportunity. The central government should consider including those who have completed 65 years of age under this scheme in the coming years.