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.
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.
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.
As of November 17, 2024, the scheme has achieved remarkable milestones:
These figures underline the scheme’s nationwide impact in transforming India’s healthcare landscape.
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.
Within three weeks of its launch, the initiative has already achieved significant milestones:
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has facilitated free treatment for various health issues, including:
These treatments reflect the initiative’s focus on addressing critical and age-related medical conditions.
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.
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.
The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹12,850 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. These projects aim to:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Why in the News? | The newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling more than 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above. |
Occasion | Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day (October 29, 2024) |
Event | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated health sector projects worth ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi |
Key Announcement | Launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, offering free hospital treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above |
Eligibility for Vay Vandana Card | All senior citizens aged 70+, with no income cap (applicable to poor, middle-class, and upper-class individuals) |
Benefits of Vay Vandana Card | – Free treatment in hospitals – Reduced out-of-pocket expenses for elderly care – Comprehensive healthcare under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Overview | – Launched on September 23, 2018 – World’s largest health assurance scheme – ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family – Covers ~55 crore individuals |
Key PM-JAY Achievements | – 35.45 crore Ayushman Cards issued – 6.5 crore hospital admissions authorized – ₹81,979.07 crore value of authorized admissions – 30,745 empanelled hospitals |
Progress of Vay Vandana Card | – 10 lakh enrollments in 3 weeks – 4 lakh female enrollments – ₹9 crore worth of treatments for over 4,800 senior citizens |
Common Treatments Covered | Coronary angioplasty, hip fractures/replacement, gallbladder removal, cataract surgery, prostate resection, stroke treatments |
Significance of Ayurveda Day | Promotes holistic healthcare by integrating modern medicine with traditional Ayurvedic practices |
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