New Delhi [India], April 28 : Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday lauded the launch of Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana in Delhi, calling it a "new era of welfare for the people" under the Triple Engine Sarkar in Delhi.
In a post on X, Minister Puri said, "A society that cares for its elderly is a humane society. A new era of welfare for the people and inclusive development begins under the Triple Engine Sarkar in Delhi."
The scheme, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, will provide free health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for residents aged 70 years and above.
Puri further said, "Very happy to join CM Smt Rekha Gupta Ji, Members of Parliament, Delhi Mayor, MLAs and leaders of @BJP4Delhi at the launch of PM Modi Ji's visionary and revolutionary Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) Scheme in Delhi."
The post further informed that the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana will cover nearly 2,000 medical procedures, with all costs related to treatment, medicines, diagnostics, surgeries, room charges, and ICU services fully covered. Beneficiaries will be able to access services cashlessly at 47 empanelled private hospitals and 10 government hospitals across the city.
"Senior citizens above the age of 70 will be eligible for free medical treatment of upto Rs10 lakh under this compassionate and caring scheme. Now, the citizens of Delhi will have access to nearly 2,000 procedures, with all costs related to treatment, drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician's fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges, etc., covered, and will have access to 47 empanelled private hospitals and 10 government hospitals in a cashless manner with no prepayment," he informed.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh 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.
Minister Puri also praised the Delhi Chief Minister and her team for their significant accomplishments within just 65 days of taking office.
Speaking at the Ayushman Bharat cards distribution event, Puri said that although it has not even been 100 days since she assumed charge on February 20, 2025, her administration has already achieved significant milestones.
During this period, they have begun working on reducing air pollution from the Yamuna River and addressing the issue of garbage dumps.
In October last year, Prime Minister Modi announced the expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Under the expansion, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are receiving the "Ayushman Vay Vandana Card", which will enable them to avail of healthcare benefits.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card offers a free health cover of Rs 5 lakh to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above, who are already covered under the AB PM-JAY scheme, receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.
Senior citizens, who are already availing benefits of various government schemes including Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have to choose between their existing scheme or can opt for AB PM-JAY. Additionally, persons covered by private health insurance coverage or members of the Employees' State Insurance scheme are eligible to benefit from AB PM-JAY.