Synopsis
On April 28, Delhi's CM Rekha Gupta introduced a revolutionary health insurance scheme for those aged 70 and above, providing coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. This initiative marks a significant step towards supporting the elderly, ensuring they receive essential medical care without financial burden.Key Takeaways
- The scheme provides coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for senior citizens.
- Registration is open for those aged 70 and older.
- The initiative is part of a larger promise made by the BJP ahead of elections.
- It encourages inclusivity by being available to non-taxpayers.
- Beneficiaries can access treatment at numerous hospitals nationwide.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) Marking a significant milestone, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled her administration’s groundbreaking health insurance initiative by distributing Ayushman cards to citizens aged 70 and above, enabling them to access free medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Speaking at the launch event held at Thyagaraj Stadium, CM Gupta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delivering on the party's commitment to the Ayushman scheme, which is unparalleled globally and available even to non-taxpayers.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, along with Delhi Cabinet ministers, participated in the event.
CM Gupta stated that this scheme would provide respect, justice, and empowerment to the elderly, criticizing the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its 'disruptive' politics that hindered the launch of this crucial program in the city.
“The AAP government obstructed this initiative out of sheer ego. A program that could have benefitted countless elderly individuals was stalled,” she asserted.
She emphasized that from this point onwards, no citizen would be denied their rightful entitlements as the government stands firmly with its senior citizens.
CM Gupta remarked, "The Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme will provide significant support to the elderly, especially those whose families have not been able to care for them adequately."
Regardless of financial circumstances or annual income, the ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme’ aims to assist six lakh beneficiaries in phases, aligning with the ruling BJP's promise made prior to the Assembly elections that ended a 27-year political drought in Delhi.
The cashless initiative offers treatment at 100 hospitals within the city and 30,000 hospitals across other locations.
“If you need treatment in Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Lucknow, you can do so as long as the hospital is included in the scheme,” CM Gupta explained.
To register, beneficiaries must be residents of Delhi and possess an Aadhaar card, she mentioned, assuring that all MLAs and Delhi government officials will assist in the registration process.
During the event, the CM also celebrated the BJP’s success in the Mayoral election, stating, “The presence of BJP MPs, Delhi Ministers, and the Mayor at this gathering marks a significant event in the 'Triple Engine Sarkar' era in the city.”
Currently, the BJP holds power at the Centre, in the Delhi government, and in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, she noted.
Under the new initiative, senior citizens aged 70 and older, including those already enrolled in AB PM-JAY, qualify for an additional top-up coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually in Delhi.
The registration process for senior citizens aged 70 and above for Ayushman Health cards commenced on Saturday. They can apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card by visiting the nearest empanelled hospital, downloading the Ayushman app (available on Google Play), or accessing the beneficiary portal.
Union Minister Puri praised CM Gupta for launching the scheme within 65 days of taking office on February 20.
“The cashless aspect of the initiative renders it unique worldwide, even among developed nations,” he stated.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as envisioned by PM Modi, will prioritize health care,” he asserted.
“May your health thrive even beyond 70. A new gift of health from the BJP government,” Hardeep Puri remarked in a post on X.
“When old age is accompanied by illness, the disparity between individuals becomes apparent. PM Modi has eliminated this gap. Whether poor or rich, he has fostered equality among all. Every elderly person aged 70 and above is entitled to free treatment in quality hospitals,” Minister Puri highlighted.
The Union minister pointed out that until now, the residents of Delhi had been deprived of these benefits due to the animosity exhibited by the previous Arvind Kejriwal government, which failed to implement the scheme in the national capital.
He also criticized the AAP government for its ineffective ‘Mohalla Clinic’ model, presenting figures that allegedly revealed 65,000 fake tests conducted in these clinics.
Puri further condemned the AAP government for the delays in the Delhi Metro and for unnecessary spending on advertisements, actions that have also faced censure from the Supreme Court.
