Free healthcare for senior citizens: Kejriwal's election promise sparks controversy
As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections near, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveils the ambitious 'Sanjeevani Yojana,' promising free healthcare for senior citizens amidst political backlash.

This ambitious initiative is set to provide healthcare services without any cost to Delhiites aged 60 and above, ensuring that both private and government hospitals are covered under the plan.
Reuters
As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has made a bold pre-poll promise with the launch of the Sanjeevani Yojana, a free healthcare scheme aimed specifically at senior citizens. This ambitious initiative is set to provide healthcare services without any cost to Delhiites aged 60 and above, ensuring that both private and government hospitals are covered under the plan.
The announcement came as part of Kejriwal’s pledge to improve healthcare access, especially for the elderly, who often face disproportionate health challenges. He further emphasized that there would be no upper limit on treatment costs, meaning elderly residents can access comprehensive healthcare without financial constraints.
He said:
"In old age, one thing troubles everyone. With age, numerous diseases emerge, and the biggest concern is accessing treatment. I have seen elderly individuals from good families suffer as their children fail to care for them. But you don't need to worry; your son is still here for you"
दिल्ली के हमारे सभी बुजुर्गों के लिए ख़ुशख़बरी। दिल्ली में 60 साल से ज़्यादा उम्र के सभी नागरिकों का इलाज मुफ़्त होगा। ये केजरीवाल की गारंटी है। https://t.co/gGRrl6Wlrg
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 18, 2024
While the scheme is set to kick off after the elections, Kejriwal reassured citizens that registration for the program will begin soon, with AAP volunteers visiting homes to assist in the process. The government’s efforts to make the scheme as accessible as possible are evident, as they aim to reach residents in every corner of Delhi.
The timing of the announcement is not coincidental. With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, many are questioning whether the Sanjeevani Yojana is a strategic move to garner votes in a fiercely competitive political landscape. Senior citizens form a significant voting bloc, and offering free healthcare could win the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) crucial support.
Beyond the politics, the scheme holds immense potential to address a long-standing need in the city. Delhi’s elderly population often faces challenges in accessing affordable healthcare, and this initiative could offer them much-needed relief, positioning Kejriwal’s government as the protector of the city's most vulnerable.
This initiative is part of Kejriwal’s broader agenda to improve healthcare accessibility and strengthen the social safety net for Delhi’s residents. It's also an extension of the Delhi government’s free healthcare policies, which have already significantly transformed the city’s medical infrastructure, making healthcare more inclusive and far-reaching.
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav dismissed the health scheme as "merely an election gimmick," pointing to the alleged shortcomings of AAP's mohalla clinics as evidence that the party's promises in healthcare have fallen short.
In response to AAP's election pitch, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal, stating, “For the past decade, Kejriwal has been touting free treatment and tests at Delhi’s mohalla clinics and hospitals. If that’s the case, why is he now misleading the elderly? Before the Lok Sabha elections, he promised Rs 1,000 per month for women. Ten months later, they’ve yet to receive a single rupee.”
दिल्ली सरकार के पिछले दस सालों की कार्यशैली और वादाखिलाफी ने दिल्लीवासियों को आहत किया है; एक ओर जहां चुनाव के समय बड़े-बड़े वादे किए जाते हैं, वहीं दूसरी ओर वे इन वादों को निभाने में पूरी तरह से नाकाम रहते हैं और निराधार आरोपों की राजनीति करते हैं।
बुजुर्गों के इलाज का मुद्दा,… https://t.co/Qx4D1CZdUQ
— Virendraa Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva) December 18, 2024
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