Senior Citizens Can Now Access Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards Online

Beneficiaries can generate their cards by linking their Aadhaar details through the Ayushman Bharat app or website.

Elderly citizens aged 70 and above can now generate their Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards online through the Ayushman app or website, eliminating the need for office visits.

Chief Medical Officer Ashutosh Kumar Dubey announced that the cards can also be created with assistance from Arogya Mitras stationed at affiliated hospitals, ensuring ease of access for beneficiaries.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute the cards and interact with beneficiaries during an event at Mahant Digvijaynath Park.

In preparation, Dubey has instructed officials to ensure smooth transport and safety for the estimated 5,000 attendees. Health awareness stalls will also be set up at the event to promote community health initiatives.

Expanded Benefits for Senior Citizens

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card offers senior citizens aged 70 and above an annual health coverage of INR 5 lakh. This is in addition to the benefits provided under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Families not covered under AB PM-JAY can also avail of this benefit for elderly members. Beneficiaries can generate their cards by linking their Aadhaar details through the Ayushman Bharat app or website.

Since its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024, over 25 lakh cards have been issued, according to the Union Health Ministry. In Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district alone, more than 8,000 cards have been generated.

Within two months of the scheme’s implementation, treatments worth over INR 40 crore have been provided to more than 22,000 senior citizens under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card initiative.

Beneficiaries have received treatment for a wide range of conditions, including coronary angioplasty, hip replacement, cataract surgery, stroke management, gall bladder removal, and hemodialysis.

Comprehensive Coverage Without Waiting Period

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card ensures free treatment for approximately 2,000 medical procedures, covering all pre-existing conditions from the first day without any waiting period.

Senior citizens from families already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an additional top-up of INR 5 lakh annually.

Beneficiaries of other government health schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) must choose between these schemes and AB PM-JAY.

Those with private insurance or covered under the Employees' State Insurance scheme are also eligible to enroll in AB PM-JAY.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for India’s elderly population, with a special focus on inclusivity and ease of access through digital platforms.

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