Enrollment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has reached 25 lakh within just two months of its launch, the health ministry said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the scheme on October 29 this year, as part of the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
According to the ministry, treatments worth more than Rs 40 crore have been availed by over 22,000 senior citizens across the country since its launch. These treatments have covered various conditions, including coronary angioplasty, hip fractures, cataract surgeries, gall bladder removals, prostate resection, stroke recovery, hemodialysis, and other illnesses.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card offers Rs 5 lakh in free health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This expansion of the AB PM-JAY scheme ensures that senior citizens not only have access to healthcare but also an additional top-up cover for those already enrolled in the scheme.
Eligible seniors, who belong to families already covered by AB PM-JAY, can receive up to Rs 5 lakh per year in additional health benefits. Those already under other government health schemes, such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), can either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides coverage for around 2000 medical procedures, covering all pre-existing diseases from the first day, with no waiting period.
Seniors who are eligible for the card can register through multiple channels. They can visit any empanelled hospital for in-person registration, or download the Ayushman app from Google Play Store or visit the official website at www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in for self-registration. For assistance, citizens can also call the toll-free number 14555 or give a missed call to 1800110770 for further details.