Modi asks opposition for suggestions on Ayushman Bharat scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked opposition leaders to come up with suggestions on the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Rajya Sabha, Modi said: "I heard MPs speak about Ayushman Bharat and some of them began to compare it with the schemes in the US and Britain. I think every nation has its own context, challenges and nature of working."

The Ayushman Bharat scheme is apparently aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and offer financial protection from the huge expenditure often faced once a family member falls sick and needs long-term healthcare.

"What I am sure we agree on is that there is a lot of work to be done in our health sector," the Prime Minister said.

He urged the opposition to come up with suggestions for improving on Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

"We brought up the Aayushman Bharat Scheme, and I agree that there can be some shortcomings in it. So I invite the opposition leaders to come up with suggestions for (improving) the scheme," he said.

"I also request the opposition parties to form a task force within their parties to give suggestions," he said.

Modi said the government was always looking for suggestions, feedback and inputs on its schemes. "After all, we are working for the nation and the poor," he added.

--IANS

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