New Delhi: On Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day, celebrated on 29 October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of health sector initiatives valued at approximately ₹12,850 crore during an event at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi. Among these announcements was the introduction of free healthcare for all senior citizens aged 70 and above. To facilitate this, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card was unveiled, granting access to comprehensive healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Within just three weeks of its launch, more than 10 lakh senior citizens have registered for the card, which ensures free hospital treatment and substantial healthcare benefits.

The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched in 2018, is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, providing annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family to nearly 55 crore individuals from vulnerable sections of society. Unlike previous schemes, it imposes no cap on family size or age, offering coverage from day one for pre-existing conditions. The introduction of the Vay Vandana Card extends this inclusive approach further, specifically targeting senior citizens, regardless of income or socio-economic status.

Since its rollout, the Vay Vandana Card has significantly improved access to healthcare for older adults, authorising treatments worth over ₹9 crore for more than 4,800 individuals aged 70 and above. These treatments include procedures like coronary angioplasty, hip replacements, cataract surgeries, and stroke management. Around 4 lakh of the total enrolments have been by women, demonstrating the scheme’s broad reach and impact.

The Ayushman Bharat initiative continues to revolutionise India’s healthcare landscape, with 35.45 crore Ayushman Cards issued and over 6.5 crore hospital admissions authorised since its inception. The programme has empanelled nearly 31,000 hospitals, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, irrespective of geographical or financial barriers.

The Vay Vandana Card represents a vital step in reducing out-of-pocket expenses for elderly care, providing dignity and support to senior citizens across the nation. With this initiative, the government reaffirms its commitment to universal healthcare, offering a robust model for addressing the needs of an ageing population.

BI Bureau