Ayushman Bharat Faces Criticism Over Eligibility and Implementation

The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme is criticized by the Aam Aadmi Party for being inaccessible to Delhi residents due to eligibility criteria. Prime Minister Modi expressed disappointment over Delhi and West Bengal not implementing it, citing missed opportunities for senior citizens. Sanjay Singh labels it as impractical.

In a heated exchange, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blasted the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, deeming its eligibility criteria a stumbling block for residents of the national capital. The controversy erupted on Tuesday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's critique of the Delhi and West Bengal governments for eschewing the policy.

Modi expressed regret over the lack of free healthcare for the elderly in these states, lamenting a missed opportunity to aid senior citizens. Speaking at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, he apologized to the region's elderly population, attributing their difficulties to state governance choices.

Countering this, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh labeled the scheme 'impractical,' citing ownership of basic appliances or a monthly income above Rs 10,000 as exclusionary. Singh alleged that the scheme was a scam in BJP-ruled states, urging data analysis from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to expose corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)