The recent government initiative to extend health coverage to all individuals aged 70 and above has been hailed as a monumental step in India’s healthcare landscape, promising to ease the financial burden on millions of families. Industry leaders from healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical technology sectors have welcomed this move, acknowledging its significance in providing essential healthcare services to the elderly population.
Tailoring Care for Seniors
To ensure the success of this program, experts stress the need for a benefit package that is specifically designed for the elderly. “The benefit package needs to be tailored to encompass the entire continuum of care,” said representatives from NATHEALTH, expressing their readiness to assist the government in rolling out the initiative.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Anil Matai, Director General of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), described the program as a “significant milestone” for elderly healthcare. He added that while the initiative marks a huge leap forward, it is also important to address the needs of the ‘Missing Middle,’ a segment of the population currently excluded from both government and private health insurance schemes.
Pavan Choudary, Chairman of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), expressed similar sentiments, calling the decision to provide coverage under the AB PM-JAY program a “landmark step.” He emphasized that this move paves the way for more equitable healthcare for India’s ageing population, which is growing rapidly and requiring greater access to geriatric care.
A Timely Response to Geriatric Healthcare Needs
As the country’s elderly population continues to grow, the demand for specialized geriatric care is on the rise. Paras Health Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Santy Sajan, noted that this initiative is a timely response to the increasing need for healthcare services among seniors. “By providing comprehensive health coverage to our senior citizens, the scheme not only alleviates the financial burden on families but also reinforces the importance of accessible healthcare for all age groups,” she said.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
While the expansion of healthcare coverage to seniors is a positive step, it also presents challenges, particularly for smaller and medium-sized hospitals. Harsh Mahajan, Chair of FICCI (Health Services), pointed out that many smaller hospitals operate on tight margins. The additional pressure of catering to a larger, elderly patient base requiring intensive care could strain their resources. He called for measures to ensure the viability of the scheme for all healthcare providers.
