Dehradun, February 25 – The benefits of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched in 2024, are reaching every corner of the country, including remote and isolated areas.
The Ayushman Bharat-Vay Vandana Yojana has proven to be a lifeline for the people of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand.
Chamoli, a border district, has made remarkable progress in enrolling senior citizens, making them eligible to benefit from the scheme.
Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued to over 500 eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to access free healthcare services.
Until now, healthcare has always been a major challenge for people living in remote locations and difficult mountainous terrains. However, with the launch of the Vay Vandana Yojana, this has significantly alleviated their hardships and made it easier to access medical care.
Through the Vay Vandana Yojana cards, elderly beneficiaries are receiving treatment at designated hospitals without any financial burden. Previously, it was difficult to travel for treatment, but now, with the Ayushman card, they are receiving free treatment.
Many beneficiaries who have received free treatment under the scheme have expressed their gratitude to the Modi government for the welfare scheme.
One beneficiary, Balwant Ram, said that he and his family are highly grateful to PM Modi for the scheme. Another beneficiary, Awal Singh Rawat, compared the ease of treatment today with the difficulties they faced in the past.
To further expand the scheme's reach, health department teams are visiting villages to register eligible beneficiaries, so that more people can join the scheme.
Notably, in October 2024, the Centre expanded AB-PMJAY to provide free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status, including tribal communities.
As of December 5, last year, over 93 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards were issued across all States and UTs.
A total of 7.89 lakh hospital admissions were recorded by October 2025, amounting to Rs 1741 crore, which were authorized under the Ayushman Vay Vandana category across the implementing States/UTs. Furthermore, expansion in treatment is achieved by including new procedures, empaneling new hospitals, including new beneficiaries, and other improvements as per requirements from time to time.
