MP Health Minister Rajendra Shukla inaugurates 'Ayushman Pakhwada' on 6th anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Bhopal

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 23 : The Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Public Health Minister, Rajendra Shukla, formally inaugurated 'Ayushman Pakhwada' on the sixth anniversary of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana at the Kailashnath Katju Government Hospital in Bhopal on Monday.
According to an official release, 'Ayushman Pakhwada' is being celebrated across the state to mark six years of the successful implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, from September 20 to September 30.
During the Pakhwada, awareness programmes about the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the issuance of Ayushman cards to eligible people will take place. The campaign will focus on creating Ayushman cards for senior citizens over 70 years of age, with a door-to-door approach, it added.
After inaugurating the Pakhwada, Deputy CM Shukla told ANI, "Today, we organised a programme to celebrate the six years of successful implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. A celebration is being held across the country today, highlighting how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a security shield for the country's poor."
"This celebration carries extra energy and happiness as people over 70 from every section of society will be covered by the scheme. The elderly are particularly pleased with the initiative," he added.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Shukla wrote, "Today, I formally inaugurated Ayushman Pakhwada at Kailashnath Katju Hospital, Bhopal, on the sixth anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Yojana. On this occasion, I interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme, learned about their experiences, and shared the news that PM Modi is including everyone over 70 years old in the scheme."
In Madhya Pradesh, 4.70 crore people are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. By expanding the Ayushman Bharat Niramaya Yojana in the state, special backward tribes, victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy, and other disadvantaged sections have also become eligible for the scheme, he further wrote.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, marked its sixth anniversary on Monday.
To celebrate, the Ministry of Health posted on X: "Celebrating 6 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY! Here's to 6 years of making healthcare affordable for millions. Each Ayushman card represents hope and access to quality care. Let's continue to strive for a healthier India where everyone thrives!"
Earlier, on September 11, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
With this approval, all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of socio-economic status, will be eligible to avail themselves of the benefits of AB-PMJAY.
AB-PMJAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, providing health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, covering 12.34 crore families.