Ayushman Bharat: Vay Vandana Cards achieves Milestone

On the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day, celebrated on October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took a historic step by inaugurating multiple health sector projects worth approximately ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. The event marked a significant moment in India’s healthcare sector, with the announcement of free treatment for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, further cementing India’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare. The newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling more than 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above.

Introduction of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

A major highlight of the day was the launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, a pivotal initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This card provides elderly citizens with comprehensive healthcare benefits, ensuring they receive free treatment in hospitals across the nation. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to universal healthcare, catering to the specific needs of senior citizens.

Key Benefits of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

• Exclusively for individuals aged 70 and above.
• Universal eligibility with no income cap, benefiting the poor, middle class, and upper class alike.
• Covers a wide range of medical treatments, aiming to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for elderly care.
• Guarantees access to free health services under the world’s largest health assurance scheme, PM-JAY.

Background of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Launched on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY stands as the world’s largest health assurance scheme, addressing the healthcare needs of India’s most vulnerable populations. With coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, the scheme has redefined healthcare accessibility in India.

Objectives and Features of PM-JAY

• Aims to provide universal health coverage for the bottom 40% of India’s population, encompassing 55 crore individuals.
• Ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions from day one, with no limit on family size or age.
• Offers benefits such as medical consultations, hospitalisation, post-treatment care, and coverage for pre-hospitalisation expenses.
• Includes diagnostic services, medical implantation, and even accommodation and food services during hospitalisation.

Progress and Achievements of PM-JAY

As of November 17, 2024, the scheme has achieved remarkable milestones:

• 35.45 crore Ayushman Cards issued.
• Over 6.5 crore hospital admissions authorised, amounting to a financial value of ₹81,979.07 crore.
• 30,745 empanelled hospitals, including both public (17,084) and private (13,661) institutions.

These figures underline the scheme’s nationwide impact in transforming India’s healthcare landscape.

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: A Milestone for Senior Citizens

Recognising the unique challenges faced by senior citizens, the government approved an expansion of PM-JAY on September 11, 2024, specifically targeting senior citizens aged 70 and above. This expansion culminated in the launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, a dedicated initiative for the elderly.

Enrollment and Early Impact

Within three weeks of its launch, the initiative has already achieved significant milestones:

• Over 10 lakh senior citizens enrolled.
• Around 4 lakh female enrollees, demonstrating inclusive participation.
• Treatments worth ₹9 crore authorised, benefitting over 4,800 elderly patients, including 1,400 women.

Medical Conditions Addressed

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has facilitated free treatment for various health issues, including:

• Coronary angioplasty
• Hip fractures/replacement
• Gallbladder removal
• Cataract surgery
• Prostate resection
• Stroke treatments

These treatments reflect the initiative’s focus on addressing critical and age-related medical conditions.

Impact on Healthcare Accessibility for the Elderly

The Vay Vandana Card aims to improve the quality of life for India’s elderly population by reducing their financial burden and ensuring seamless access to healthcare. By covering 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families, the initiative addresses both urban and rural healthcare disparities.

Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day 2024: A Celebration of Holistic Healthcare

The occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day symbolises India’s rich tradition of holistic healing. The event at AIIA highlighted the integration of modern healthcare infrastructure with the principles of Ayurveda, aiming for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to public health.

Inauguration of Health Sector Projects

The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹12,850 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. These projects aim to:

• Expand healthcare facilities nationwide.
• Promote Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
• Improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Summary of the News