'Good sense prevails': CJP after Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's govt withdraws order against student protest

Tamil Nadu's government has announced a new health insurance scheme specifically for senior citizens aged 70 and above, as part of the state's broader efforts to improve geriatric outreach and provide comprehensive care for its ageing population. Chief Minister K.G. Arunraj announced the 'Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme' on Monday, stating that it will cover nearly 38 lakh elderly individuals and provide free medical treatment at both government and private hospitals without any income ceiling.

The scheme will cover a range of services, including cancer care, advanced cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostic services. Officials emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step in addressing the evolving needs of an ageing population. By 2050, it is projected that one in five Indians will be over the age of 60, necessitating a health system that caters to the unique requirements of older individuals.

Currently, around 6.75 lakh people utilize outpatient department services in Tamil Nadu's government facilities daily, with nearly 12% of these patients being over 60 years old. To support this growing geriatric population, the government has introduced 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres, which are part of the broader geriatric outreach efforts.

Health officials highlighted that the newly proposed Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme will be integrated with the existing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ensuring continuity and accessibility for senior citizens.

Among the challenges identified are the needs of bedridden and home-based elderly individuals, as well as those requiring mental healthcare. The newly announced scheme aims to provide comprehensive coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income status, reflecting the government's commitment to equitable healthcare for all.