Authors:
A. S. Arvind

Addresses:
Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract:

India’s demographic transition toward an ageing population presents a critical challenge for its healthcare system, particularly in ensuring equitable access and financial protection for older adults. This study examines the readiness and inclusiveness of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in addressing the unique healthcare needs of elderly beneficiaries through a comprehensive secondary data analysis. Drawing from NFHS-5, NSSO 75th Round, Rural Health Statistics, PMJAY annual reports, and IRDAI data, the study synthesises indicators across demographic, insurance coverage, and infrastructural domains. Findings reveal that despite policy-level eligibility, over 80% of older people remain uninsured, with significant out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and catastrophic health spending during hospitalisation—particularly in private facilities. Infrastructure deficits, including the lack of geriatric-specific health benefit packages, trained personnel, and digital literacy barriers, further limit the effectiveness of the scheme. While states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu demonstrate relatively high inclusion-readiness, others exhibit systemic shortcomings. The analysis emphasises the importance of geriatric-sensitive benefit design, human resource capacity building, and stratified resource deployment models in enhancing the inclusion of older people. This paper argues that true universality under AB-PMJAY requires moving beyond passive eligibility to proactive design and delivery that explicitly addresses the structural vulnerabilities of India’s ageing population.

Keywords: Geriatric Care; Ayushman Bharat; Elderly Healthcare; Public Health Insurance; Health Readiness; Geriatric Health Outcomes; Life Expectancy; Health Infrastructure; Healthcare System.

Received on: 20/05/2024, Revised on: 03/07/2024, Accepted on: 04/08/2024, Published on: 05/03/2025

DOI: 10.69888/FTSHS.2025.000389

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Humanities and Society, 2025 Vol. 2 No. 1, Pages: 1-10

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