Image Source: The Economic Times
In a transformative move for elderly welfare, the Delhi government has officially launched its much-anticipated health card scheme for senior citizens aged 70 and above. The inaugural event, held at Thyagaraj Stadium on April 28, marks a new chapter in the capital’s commitment to accessible, comprehensive healthcare for its ageing population.
A New Era of Healthcare for Delhi’s Seniors
The programme, launched under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, makes sure that each eligible senior citizen is issued a special health card, which ensures priority access to a broad range of medical services-irrespective of income, caste, or socio-economic status. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on the launch ceremony attended by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and top health officials, termed the initiative "a living symbol of respect and gratitude towards our senior citizens.
Key Features and Advantages
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Universal Eligibility: All citizens of Delhi who are 70 years and older are eligible, with no income or caste restrictions. Registration is offered at selected government hospitals, online websites, and through special mobile units for people with mobility problems.
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Comprehensive Health Coverage: The program offers up to ₹10 lakh yearly health insurance-₹5 lakh under the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and an extra ₹5 lakh top-up by the Delhi government. This gives strong financial protection to almost 6 lakh senior residents.
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Cashless, Trouble-Free Treatment: Cardholders may get cashless treatment for 1,961 medical procedures spread over 27 specialties, ranging from surgeries, ICU care and medicines to diagnostics and hospitalization, at the empaneled hospitals in Delhi and all over India.
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Prioritized and Respectful Care: The health card ensures quick entry to consultations, special counters in government hospitals, and short waiting times, an area of big concern for the elderly patients.
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Digital Health Records: Every card shall be connected with a digitised health record to facilitate easier medical history access to patients as well as doctors.
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No Obstacles in Implementation: The scheme is user-friendly-applications are accepted physically from hospitals, or online through Ayushman's website, or in-home visits in case of inaccessibility of the individual. Documents required include Aadhaar, proof of residency in Delhi, and two photographs of passport size.
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Broader Health System Strengthening: The launch is accompanied by the quick setup of 1,139 Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs in Delhi, with a minimum of 15 centres per assembly constituency, providing primary care, preventive medicine, and awareness services.
Implementation and Rollout
The rollout of the health card will be phased:
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Phase 1 (April 28–May 15): Seniors above 75 years and persons with disabilities.
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Phase 2 (May 16–June 30): All residents above 65 years.
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Phase 3 (July 1–August 15): Seniors aged 60–64.
For those attending the launch event, cards are distributed on the spot. Others will receive their cards at home or can collect them from local health centres in the coming weeks. SMS notifications and a helpline have been set up to assist applicants and answer queries.
A Lifeline for Delhi’s Elderly
The scheme is seen as a game-changer for Delhi’s estimated 1.2 million senior citizens, many of whom struggle with rising healthcare costs and complex hospital systems. By removing financial and administrative hurdles, the government aims to ensure that no senior citizen is left behind when it comes to timely, quality healthcare.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized the scheme's universality: "With Ayushman Vay Vandana, all senior citizens in Delhi can access treatment without worrying about hospital bills. This is not merely a welfare initiative, but a guarantee of dignity and security."
Looking Ahead
The health card scheme of the Delhi government is being monitored in hopes of it serving as a model for other states. Through integrating universal eligibility, high coverage, and convenient access, it marks a new standard in senior citizen care.
With the cards starting to find homes and hospitals all over the city, the elderly of Delhi can expect an era of health as a right-handed to them with respect, pace, and empathy.
Sources: Indian Express, India Today, Millennium Post, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Tribune India
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