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PM Modi Expands Health Coverage for Senior Citizens

Why in the news?

 Prime Minister Modi will launch new health initiatives worth ₹12,850 crores, extending coverage to seniors aged 70 and above, while inaugurating several healthcare facilities and digital vaccination platforms on Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day.

Event Overview:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch and lay the foundation for health sector projects worth approximately ₹12,850 crores in New Delhi.
• The event coincides with Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day.

Expansion of Health Coverage:

• The Prime Minister will introduce health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
• This initiative aims to provide health benefits to seniors regardless of income.

National Ayurveda Day 2024: Key Highlights:

• Date & Theme: Celebrated on October 29, 2024, with the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.”
• Purpose: Aims to promote Ayurveda as a vital healthcare system globally and highlight its contribution to health innovation.
• Significance of Ayurveda: Recognized by WHO, Ayurveda is over 5,000 years old, focusing on holistic health, prevention, and wellness.
• Participation: Involves startups and industries, encouraging youth engagement in Ayurveda.
• Historical Context: National Ayurveda Day has been observed since 2016, coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti, honouring Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurvedic medicine.

Dhanvantari Jayanti: Key Points

• Celebration Date: Observed on the 13th lunar day of the Aswini month.
• Significance: Marks the birth of Lord Dhanwantari, the god of Ayurvedic medicine.
• Mythological Background: Described as the physician of gods, he emerged during the Samudra Manthan.
• Relation to Ayurveda Day: National Ayurveda Day, celebrated on November 2, 2021, promotes Ayurveda’s healing principles.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times