Chennai, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a vigorous critique against the DMK-led government of Tamil Nadu, alleging that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is intentionally postponing the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This delay, they argue, is resulting in millions being deprived of affordable, life-saving medical care.

Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad articulated these grievances in a statement issued on Wednesday, branding the hindrance of this flagship initiative—brought forth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—as a betrayal of the state's citizens and a regression for universal healthcare.

“The Stalin administration's actions to impede approvals, disregard necessary coordination, and erect hurdles for private hospital participation clearly prioritize political interests over the welfare of the people,” he asserted.

Prasad juxtaposed this with the national implications of the program, which he termed the largest health assurance initiative globally. “Ayushman Bharat has granted universal healthcare access to over 55 crore individuals, removed treatment barriers, and restored dignity to the underprivileged. The DMK government is unjustly obstructing this transformative progress,” he stated.

According to the BJP, more than 42 crore Ayushman cards have been distributed, along with 81 lakh Vay Vandana cards for senior citizens, nearly half of which have been issued to women. The elderly have accessed treatments worth Rs 496 crore. The initiative has notably decreased out-of-pocket medical costs from 63% to 39%, while increasing government health expenditure from 29% to 48%.

Additionally, the spokesperson highlighted preventive and community health initiatives under the scheme, including 55 crore hypertension screenings, 48 crore diabetes assessments, affordable dialysis sessions, and critical surgeries that can save families as much as Rs 15,000 each.

Approximately 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide free diagnostics, yoga, meditation, and fitness sessions for local communities. Moreover, the digital integration has linked over four lakh health facilities and seven lakh professionals with 72 crore health records.

Prasad emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Ayushman Bharat has evolved into a global healthcare paradigm, quoting verses from Thirukkural to highlight the scheme’s compassion and insight.

“This is not merely an insurance scheme; it is a vital resource for the underprivileged and a model for the world,” he remarked.

He called upon the state Health Minister to expedite the registration of private hospitals and ensure unhindered access for beneficiaries. “Healthcare should not be held captive by political agendas. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve to fully benefit from Ayushman Bharat,” he concluded.