India, represented by Union Minister of State for Health Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel, reaffirmed its commitment to healthy ageing through strengthened primary healthcare at the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 13-15 October 2025.
India announced the expansion of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above for cashless hospital care, benefiting nearly 60 million elderly. It called for enhanced regional cooperation to integrate primary health and long-term care for ageing populations in the region.
Expanding Healthcare Coverage for 60 Million Elderly
Smt. Patel highlighted India’s major demographic transition with 153 million people aged 60 and above, necessitating equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare tailored to their needs. The National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE), operational in 92% of districts, delivers preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services using a primary healthcare approach.
Ayushman Bharat PMJAY now offers cashless hospital care worth up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to all above 70, covering 45 million families. The government also established two National Centres for Ageing and 17 Regional Geriatric Centres to promote clinical excellence and policy guidance.
Regional Cooperation and Innovations for Healthy Ageing
At the regional roundtable, India urged enhanced collaboration among WHO South-East Asia member states to strengthen integration of primary health and long-term care.
The proposed three areas of cooperation include creating regional platforms for knowledge sharing, investing in geriatric workforce training, and promoting technological innovation to support independent and dignified living for elders.
The session also featured a side event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka on digital health transformation showcasing progress in digital health across the region.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian applauds India’s proactive approach to embracing demographic changes with dignity and care. Strengthening primary healthcare for the elderly not only safeguards health but upholds social inclusion and human dignity at all life stages. Regional cooperation and innovation are critical to building resilient, inclusive healthcare systems for ageing populations.
