Rajouri, October 5, 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility for the elderly, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, inaugurated the Ayushman Vay Vandana Drive at Town Hall Rajouri today. The event focused on facilitating the generation of health cards for senior citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring they receive free healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme, an extension of the national PM-JAY program launched in October 2024, provides up to ₹5 lakh annual health coverage to all senior citizens over 70, irrespective of income status. This includes cashless treatment for secondary and tertiary care at empanelled hospitals across India, covering procedures like dialysis, cardiology interventions, cancer care, and joint replacements. For families already enrolled in PM-JAY, eligible seniors receive an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh. During the drive, the Rajouri Health Department organized a mega camp at Town Hall, where officials assisted seniors in registering via Aadhaar verification and generating their Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards on the spot. DC Sharma emphasized the initiative’s role in achieving 100% coverage across the district, with similar programs planned in other areas to ensure no eligible senior is left behind. He highlighted how the scheme alleviates financial burdens on families by enabling access to quality medical care without out-of-pocket expenses.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. M.L. Rana noted that the cards allow cashless treatment in empanelled facilities nationwide, proving to be a boon for the elderly by making advanced treatments affordable. Since its nationwide rollout, millions of seniors have benefited, with treatments worth over ₹40 crore availed by more than 22,000 individuals in the initial phases. Eligible seniors can apply through the Ayushman App, the official portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in), or at nearby empanelled hospitals. The Rajouri administration’s efforts align with the government’s push for universal senior care, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ Local officials urged residents to participate actively to maximize outreach.
