Tue Oct 29 09:10:00 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Launches Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme, Providing Free Healthcare for All Senior Citizens

**New Delhi:** In a significant move towards universal healthcare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the “Ayushman Vaya Vandana” scheme, providing free health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. The new scheme, an extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, was rolled out at a ceremony held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi.

Under the scheme, all senior citizens will be entitled to free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year, regardless of their income level. This initiative is expected to benefit over 6 crore senior citizens from approximately 4.5 crore families across India.

“The Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme marks a major step towards ensuring the well-being of our elderly population,” said PM Modi. “This scheme will provide them with access to quality healthcare, irrespective of their financial background.”

The Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme, approved by the Cabinet on September 11, 2024, will offer a separate card to beneficiaries, distinct from the existing family-based Ayushman Bharat scheme. Existing Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will also receive a ₹5 lakh top-up for senior citizens in the family. However, this top-up will be exclusive for the elderly member and cannot be utilized for other family members.

Senior citizens already covered under other government schemes, including Central government health insurance, will have the option to choose between their existing schemes and the Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme. Furthermore, those with private health insurance or enrolled in the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme will also be covered under this new initiative.

The launch ceremony saw PM Modi distribute Ayushman Vaya Vandana cards to several beneficiaries, with Health Minister JP Nadda and other ministers and officials present. The scheme is expected to significantly bolster healthcare accessibility for senior citizens, contributing to their overall well-being.

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