New Delhi: The Delhi government has launched a health insurance scheme providing up to Rs 10 lakh in annual coverage for residents aged 70 and above, combining central and state benefits under a new framework called the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme.
The scheme, which merges Rs 5 lakh from the central government’s Ayushman Bharat with an additional Rs 5 lakh from the Delhi government, was announced during an event attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. They distributed the first set of Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens in attendance.
What the Scheme Offers
Under the scheme:
Senior citizens aged 70 and above residing in Delhi are eligible.
A combined health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh will be provided per individual, annually.
All diagnostic tests and health check-ups for this age group will be conducted free of cost in government-approved facilities.
Each beneficiary will receive a personalised health card, storing their medical history, emergency contacts, and treatment details in digital format.
Execution and Concerns
While the scheme offers a higher-than-usual coverage ceiling for senior citizens, several gaps remain in clarity:
The exact process of integration between Ayushman Bharat and Delhi’s contribution is not fully detailed.
It is unclear whether the Vay Vandana card can be used interchangeably across private hospitals or is restricted to a network of government-linked institutions.
