Ayushman Vay Vandana: Delhi launches Rs 10 lakh health cover for Senior Citizens
New Delhi: A boon for senior citizens, the Delhi government has officially launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme, offering comprehensive health insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh annually to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in collaboration with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, formally inaugurated the scheme at a launch event in the capital. The first batch of Vay Vandana health cards was distributed to senior citizens, marking the rollout of this ambitious health initiative.
Also Read: 25 lakh elderly enrolled for Ayushman Vay Vandana cards: Health Ministry
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a significant achievement, the enrollment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has reached an impressive milestone of 25 lakh in a span of less than 2 months of its launch by the Prime Minister on 29 October, 2024.
The health coverage is a collaboration between the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and a matching contribution by the Delhi government. Under the scheme, eligible senior citizens will receive ₹5 lakh from AB PM-JAY and an additional ₹5 lakh from the state.
According to a PTI news report, under this scheme, yearly medical assistance worth Rs 5 lakh will be provided free of cost. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh coverage will be provided under the Delhi government's scheme, making the total health cover Rs 10 lakh.
A key feature of the Vay Vandana Yojana is the issuance of unique digital health cards to all registered beneficiaries. These cards will securely store individuals' complete medical records, including regular health check-up data and emergency service details, ensuring seamless and efficient access to medical care.
Under this initiative, all medical tests for residents aged 70 and above in Delhi will be provided entirely free of charge. Gupta earlier posted on X, "Serving the elderly is our top priority. Now, the Centre and Delhi governments together are providing health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh to senior citizens aged 70 and above. Secure the health of your loved ones - get the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card today,” reports PTI.
Also Read: Ayushman Bharat scheme- A boon for the poor, says PM Modi during Varanasi Visit
More than 100 hospitals in Delhi have already joined the scheme, and over 30,000 individuals have registered for cashless treatment services.
Health Minister Pankaj Singh described the scheme as a "historic step" in strengthening the capital’s healthcare system. According to Business Standard, this scheme is portable, and any Delhi resident, even if they are outside the city, can enrol. Chemotherapy, ICU care, surgeries, and 961 other medical treatments are also included,” Singh said.
Also Read: PM Modi hails Ayushman Bharat as a lifeline for the poor during Varanasi visit
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri echoed these sentiments, noting the scheme’s potential to serve as a model for equitable healthcare across India. He said that as more and more hospitals in Delhi get empanelled under the scheme, it will prove to be a model for others for years to come in terms of universal health access.
