India has announced a major healthcare reform aimed at supporting its elderly population, expanding the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to offer free cashless hospital care for all citizens aged 70 years and above.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Health, Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel, during the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, held in Colombo from October 13 to 15, 2025.
This expansion of coverage will benefit nearly 60 million senior citizens, reinforcing India’s commitment to healthy ageing and universal healthcare access.
“India is moving decisively toward ensuring that every elderly citizen receives equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare. Strengthening primary health services and integrating long-term care remain at the heart of our national vision,” said Smt. Patel during her address.
India’s ageing population is growing rapidly, with over 153 million people aged 60 and above. Recognizing this demographic shift, the government is prioritizing healthcare solutions that promote active and healthy ageing.
Under the new expansion, Ayushman Bharat PMJAY will now provide cashless hospitalization worth up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for all citizens above 70 years of age. The initiative is expected to cover more than 45 million families across the country, ensuring that elderly citizens can access essential treatment without financial strain.
The government has also established two National Centres for Ageing and 17 Regional Geriatric Centres to improve clinical care, promote medical research, and provide policy direction for elderly health management.
In addition, the National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE) — currently operational in 92% of India’s districts — is delivering preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare through a community-based primary healthcare model.
During the WHO session, India called upon member countries in the South-East Asia region to collaborate more closely in building sustainable healthcare systems for ageing populations.
Smt. Patel outlined three key areas of regional cooperation:
- Creating regional platforms for knowledge exchange on elderly care and policy best practices.
- Investing in training programs for geriatric and long-term care professionals.
- Promoting technological innovations to enable older adults to live independently with dignity.
India emphasized that digital health solutions and innovations can play a transformative role in expanding healthcare access for the elderly.
A side event on digital health transformation, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, showcased advancements in telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-driven healthcare innovations from across the region.
India’s commitment to the health and well-being of its elderly reflects a broader national goal — building a resilient, inclusive, and compassionate healthcare system that values every stage of life.
By integrating technology, strengthening primary healthcare, and expanding insurance coverage, India is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality care without financial hardship.
This expansion under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY also aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), highlighting India’s leadership in advancing equitable healthcare for ageing populations across Asia.