NEW DELHI: Union minister Hardeep Puri and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta distributed Ayushman Bharat cards to eligible senior citizens under the Pradhan Mantri Vay Vandana Yojana at the Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.
During the event, Puri praised Gupta's administration for their achievements within 65 days of taking office, particularly highlighting their work on reducing Yamuna River pollution and addressing garbage dumps since assuming charge on February 20, 2025.
The registration for the scheme officially commenced on Monday, with the government covering treatment costs for eligible beneficiaries. The program is part of the triple-engine government's first initiative.
"Today, this health sector initiative is truly commendable. I'd be happy to share my personal experience with you. When Prime Minister Modi included me in his team in 2017, I had previously served as a foreign service officer for approximately 40 years, working in multiple countries and analysing healthcare systems in advanced industrial democracies. If we analyse these systems, we'll find that they have many problems, such as dependence on insurance premiums and limited hospital options, leading to long waiting times for appointments," Puri stated.
Puri emphasized that 47 private hospitals have already been empanelled for the scheme, expressing confidence that more would join. He noted that Indian hospitals are world-class compared to other countries.
"There was a time when old people used to meet me and say my children threw me out of the house. Some parents would say that their financial situation is not good, and there is no money for treatment. How can I ask my son to get me treated? When we organised small health camps to distribute glasses or hearing aids, elderly people would come and say, 'Oh, finally, I got my glasses made; they were broken for many days.' Or, finally, I got a hearing aid," CM Gupta shared.
"When we distributed cards, an elderly street vendor came, and a retired bank employee also came. People from all walks of life attended, whether they arrived in a BMW or a bicycle - everyone is a beneficiary. Only two things are required: being a resident of Delhi and having an Aadhaar card," she added.
CM Gupta criticized the previous AAP government for allegedly blocking the Ayushman Bharat scheme's implementation in Delhi for seven years, denying millions of elderly citizens access to this vital service.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides a free health cover of Rs 5 lakh to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This expansion was announced by PM Modi in October last year.
Senior citizens already covered under the AB PM-JAY scheme receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.
Those currently benefiting from government schemes like Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force must choose between their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
The scheme also extends eligibility to individuals with private health insurance coverage or members of the Employees' State Insurance scheme.
During the event, Puri praised Gupta's administration for their achievements within 65 days of taking office, particularly highlighting their work on reducing Yamuna River pollution and addressing garbage dumps since assuming charge on February 20, 2025.
The registration for the scheme officially commenced on Monday, with the government covering treatment costs for eligible beneficiaries. The program is part of the triple-engine government's first initiative.
"Today, this health sector initiative is truly commendable. I'd be happy to share my personal experience with you. When Prime Minister Modi included me in his team in 2017, I had previously served as a foreign service officer for approximately 40 years, working in multiple countries and analysing healthcare systems in advanced industrial democracies. If we analyse these systems, we'll find that they have many problems, such as dependence on insurance premiums and limited hospital options, leading to long waiting times for appointments," Puri stated.
Puri emphasized that 47 private hospitals have already been empanelled for the scheme, expressing confidence that more would join. He noted that Indian hospitals are world-class compared to other countries.
"There was a time when old people used to meet me and say my children threw me out of the house. Some parents would say that their financial situation is not good, and there is no money for treatment. How can I ask my son to get me treated? When we organised small health camps to distribute glasses or hearing aids, elderly people would come and say, 'Oh, finally, I got my glasses made; they were broken for many days.' Or, finally, I got a hearing aid," CM Gupta shared.
"When we distributed cards, an elderly street vendor came, and a retired bank employee also came. People from all walks of life attended, whether they arrived in a BMW or a bicycle - everyone is a beneficiary. Only two things are required: being a resident of Delhi and having an Aadhaar card," she added.
CM Gupta criticized the previous AAP government for allegedly blocking the Ayushman Bharat scheme's implementation in Delhi for seven years, denying millions of elderly citizens access to this vital service.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides a free health cover of Rs 5 lakh to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This expansion was announced by PM Modi in October last year.
Senior citizens already covered under the AB PM-JAY scheme receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.
Those currently benefiting from government schemes like Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force must choose between their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
The scheme also extends eligibility to individuals with private health insurance coverage or members of the Employees' State Insurance scheme.
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