Mangaluru : It is appalling that Karnataka government which is already making life difficult for all sectors of society is now depriving our senior citizens the benefits of a visionary scheme like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) blamed Mangalore MP Captain Brijesh Chowta.

News reports have revealed that Karnataka is yet to get the ball rolling when it comes to the senior citizen health assurance scheme that was approved by our cabinet in October 2024. By this scheme all senior citizens above 70 years of age and above are eligible to avail a cover of upto Rs.5 lakh per year on a family basis.

But the Karnataka government hasn’t issued orders for its implementation in the state. And it is extremely sad that this has come to light after a person suffering from Cancer in Bengaluru took an extreme step of ending his life in distress, with the denial of insurance coverage under AB PM JAY having added to his worries.

On one hand Congress govt drains the state coffers, then they go on to burden the common people with a new cess every other day. And to top that, they are now depriving the needy and elderly of the boon called Ayushman Bharat, offered by our PM Narendra Modi led central govt, by citing lack of clarity on cost sharing. This is a frivolous excuse that’s holding public health and welfare to ransom.

This barbaric disregard of citizen’s welfare by denying them their Right To Health just to fuel their political fist games is an insult and disregard of our Constitution. I urge the state govt to stop playing politics at the cost of precious human lives and sort the issue on an emergency basis, Chowta said.

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