New health cover is one step in Tamil Nadu’s geriatric outreach, says govt.
The Tamil Nadu government is launching a health insurance scheme for senior citizens aged 70 and above. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive medical coverage and is part of a broader geriatric outreach program.
Why it matters
As the elderly population grows, state-led healthcare initiatives are critical for managing the rising demand for specialized medical services.
Tamil Nadu’s decision to launch a health insurance scheme for the elderly is part of the State government’s broader efforts to strengthen geriatric outreach and provide holistic care for its ageing population, according to the Health department.
On Monday, Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced in the Assembly that the State government will launch the ‘Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme’, covering nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above. It will provide free medical treatment, including for cancer care, advanced cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostic services, at empanelled government and private hospitals, with no ceiling on income.
With the ageing population steadily increasing, it is projected that by 2050, one in five individuals will be over the age of 60 in India. This demographic shift calls for a health system that is differently oriented to address the evolving needs of an ageing population, officials said.
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