The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government of delaying the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said the delay denies millions of people affordable and life-saving healthcare. He called the move a “betrayal of the state’s people” and a serious setback to universal healthcare.
Moreover, Prasad claimed the Stalin government stalled approvals and blocked private hospital participation. He added that political motives were placed above citizens’ welfare. In contrast, the scheme has already given health coverage to over 55 crore Indians and reduced barriers to treatment across the country.
According to BJP data, 42 crore Ayushman cards and 81 lakh Vay Vandana cards have been issued. Treatments worth ₹496 crore were provided to senior citizens. In addition, 55 crore hypertension checks and 48 crore diabetes screenings were completed. Affordable dialysis and surgeries now save families up to ₹15,000 each.
Therefore, Prasad urged the state Health Minister to register private hospitals without delay. He stressed that healthcare should never be held hostage to politics. Finally, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for turning Ayushman Bharat into a global model for public health.
