UditVani, New Delhi: The enrollment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has reached a remarkable milestone of 25 lakh beneficiaries, just two months after its launch on October 29, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative has already provided healthcare services worth over Rs. 40 crore, benefitting more than 22,000 senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Wide Range of Treatments Availed by Senior Citizens
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has enabled senior citizens to receive treatments for a variety of medical conditions. These include coronary angioplasty, hip fractures/replacements, gall bladder removal, cataract surgeries, prostate resection, stroke, hemodialysis, enteric fever, and other febrile illnesses. This program is making healthcare more accessible to elderly citizens across India.
Expansion of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to Include All Senior Citizens
In a significant move, on October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Modi expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This expansion provides free healthcare benefits to all eligible seniors in this age group under the newly introduced Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
Comprehensive Health Coverage for Senior Citizens
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card offers a health cover of Rs. 5 lakh free of charge to senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their socio-economic background. For those already enrolled under AB PM-JAY, an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year is provided, offering enhanced healthcare support.
Eligibility and Options for Existing Beneficiaries
Senior citizens already covered by schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) need to choose between their existing health scheme and AB PM-JAY. Additionally, those with private health insurance or covered under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme are also eligible for benefits under AB PM-JAY.
Coverage for Medical Procedures and Pre-existing Diseases
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card covers around 2,000 medical procedures and includes all pre-existing diseases from day one, with no waiting period. This ensures that senior citizens receive immediate medical attention without any delays, making it a crucial support for their healthcare needs.
How to Register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Eligible senior citizens can register for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through several convenient channels. They can visit the nearest empanelled hospital for registration, or they can self-register by downloading the Ayushman app from Google Play Store or visiting the official website www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in. For more assistance, citizens can call the toll-free number 14555 or give a missed call on 1800110770.
A Glimpse of the Future: More Senior Citizens to Benefit
As the enrollment continues to rise, the program aims to cover more senior citizens, further improving healthcare access for India’s elderly population. The success of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card marks a significant step toward achieving a more inclusive healthcare system for the country’s seniors.
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