Ayushman Vay Vandana Card Enrolments Cross 10 Lakh Mark in 3 Weeks

Approximately 4 lakh women have signed up for the scheme, which aims to provide free healthcare benefits to senior citizens.

Over 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) within three weeks of its launch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the initiative on October 29, 2024.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, approximately 4 lakh women have signed up for the scheme, which aims to provide free healthcare benefits to senior citizens.

10 Lakh Senior Citizens Benefit from Free Healthcare Access

The ministry reported that since the card's introduction, healthcare treatments worth over INR 9 Cr have been approved for over 4,800 senior citizens.

Among them, more than 1,400 women have received treatments for a variety of medical conditions, including coronary angioplasty, hip fractures and replacements, gallbladder removal, cataract surgery, prostate resection, and stroke care.

A ministry official highlighted the scheme’s impact, stating, "This milestone demonstrates the commitment of the Ayushman Bharat program to deliver healthcare to the most vulnerable sections of society."

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a dedicated initiative under AB PM-JAY, tailored specifically for senior citizens aged 70 and above. Applicants must be permanent residents of India to be eligible.

The program’s objective is to ensure that elderly citizens live with dignity, free from the financial burden of healthcare expenses. The Health Ministry said the scheme underscores the government's efforts to provide comprehensive health coverage to the elderly.

"Senior citizens often face multiple health challenges. With this card, we are making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for them," a ministry spokesperson added.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), under which the card is issued, is one of India’s most significant health assurance programs. It provides extensive health coverage for families and individuals across socio-economic demographics.

By focusing on accessible healthcare services for the elderly, the government seeks to reduce healthcare disparities and improve the quality of life for senior citizens in the country.