New Delhi: In a remarkable milestone, enrollments for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card have reached 25 lakh within just two months of its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024. This ambitious initiative, which extends the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, aims to ensure accessible healthcare for the elderly.
Since its launch, treatments worth over ₹40 crore have been availed, benefiting more than 22,000 senior citizens. The card covers treatments for a wide range of medical conditions, including coronary angioplasty, hip replacement, gall bladder removal, cataract surgery, prostate resection, stroke care, dialysis, and other critical procedures.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides a free annual health cover of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Those already covered under AB PM-JAY are eligible for an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh per year. Senior citizens currently availing benefits under schemes such as CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can choose to either retain their existing scheme or opt for this new card. Similarly, those with private health insurance or ESIC benefits are also eligible under this program.
Covering nearly 2,000 medical procedures, the scheme allows immediate access to healthcare services without any waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
Eligible individuals can register through various channels, including empanelled hospitals, the Ayushman app (available on Google Play Store), or the official website www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in. Additionally, information is accessible via the toll-free helpline at 14555 or by giving a missed call on 1800110770.
This initiative marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life for senior citizens and ensuring their healthcare needs are met with dignity and efficiency.
BI Bureau
