New Delhi, May 19 -- In a classic case of how the system works, ayurveda is yet to be included Modi Government's flagship project Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Ironically, AB-PMJAY focuses on traditional medicinal practise.

The project, launched in September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was meant to give a health insurance cover of '5 lakh to individuals below the poverty line. The scheme covers 40 percent of the Indian population. Now everyone above 70 years of age, irrespective of income limits, is also covered under the scheme, making it the world's biggest health insurance scheme.

Sources in the Government said the basic reason for the inordinate delay is formulation and finalisation of health insu...