Delhi government launches Vaya Vandana Yojana: Free health coverage of ₹10 lakh for 70+ senior citizens
The Delhi government has launched a new health scheme, Vaya Vandana Yojana, for its senior citizens on 28 April 2025. Under the scheme, Delhi residents those aged 70 years and above can get free health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh annually. Chief Miniter Of Delhi told that the scheme combines the coverage of ₹5 lakh under the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) with an additional ₹5 lakh provided by the Delhi government.
Also Read : Ayushman Bharat : Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana : Upto ₹5 Lakh Benifit
For many families, this is a significant relief and their elderly relatives can now get medical treatment without worrying about huge hospital bills.
Key Benefits
- High Health Cover: Seniors get a ₹10 lakh annual insurance policy (₹5L under PM-JAY + ₹5L from Delhi).
- Cashless Treatment: Available at government and empanelled private hospitals nationwide
- Portable Coverage: The scheme is valid across India – Delhi seniors can use the benefits even outside the city.
- Free Tests & Check-ups: All medical tests and health check-ups are free of cost.
- Health Card: Each senior gets a personalized Ayushman Vay Vandana card storing their full medical history and treatment details.
Scheme Launched
The scheme was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the Thyagaraj Stadium. On the occasion, Vaya Vandana cards were distributed to the beneficiaries, which are designed to store information on their medical records, regular check-ups and emergency services, so that senior citizens can get seamless healthcare.
Who Can Enroll?
The scheme is open to all Delhi residents aged 70 years and above. There is no income limit – both poor and rich seniors get the same cover. The requirements are straightforward:
- Age: 70 years or older.
- Residency: Permanent resident of Delhi.
- Aadhaar: Must have a valid Aadhaar card.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta explained that “every person who is above 70 years of age will get the benefit of this scheme,” adding that only residency and Aadhaar are needed. She urged seniors and their families to register so they can access cashless treatment at network hospitals across India.
Comprehensive Coverage
The Vaya Vandana Yojana ensures free medical tests and treatments for eligible senior citizens, irrespective of their income levels. The coverage includes:
- Chemotherapy
- ICU care
- Surgeries
- 961 other medical treatments
Health Minister Pankaj Singh emphasized that this scheme is portable, allowing any Delhi resident, even if they are outside the city, to enroll and benefit from the services.
Response From Registered Hospitals and Beneficiaries
More than 100 hospitals in Delhi have been on-boarded into the scheme, and over 30,000 individuals have already registered for cashless treatment. This widespread participation underlines the potential impact of the scheme on the healthcare landscape for senior citizens in Delhi.
Government Statement
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Every person who is above 70 years of age will get the benefit of this scheme. Only two things are required: first, you should be a resident of Delhi, and second, you should have an Aadhaar card. Registration begins today, and once your card is made, you will be able to get treatment in hospitals registered under this scheme, in Delhi and across the country.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri underlined the significance of the scheme, saying it addresses earlier gaps in healthcare provision for Delhi’s senior citizens and reflects the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare services.
How to Register?
Registration start from April 28, 2025. Seniors (or their family) can sign up online via the official Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY website or the Ayushman mobile app using their Aadhaar details. Alternatively, they can register in person at any empanelled hospital. Once the application is processed, the senior will receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana health card.
Conclusion
The Vaya Vandana Yojana is a significant step towards providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare to senior citizens of Delhi. By combining resources from the central and state governments, this initiative ensures that persons aged 70 years and above can live a healthy and secure life without worrying about medical expenses. As the scheme progresses, it will set an example for other regions to prioritise the health and well-being of their elders.
Note: This article is based on the latest information available as of April 28, 2025.
FAQs
What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana?
It’s a new Delhi government health insurance scheme for senior citizens (70+). It offers free cashless health cover up to ₹10 lakh per year, building on the national Ayushman Bharat program.
Who is eligible?
Any Delhi resident aged 70 or above with an Aadhaar card can avail this scheme. There is no income limit, so all seniors qualify.
What does the ₹10 lakh cover include?
Registered seniors get cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually. The scheme also provides free medical tests, scans, medicines, and annual check-ups. Each senior gets a health card that holds their medical history, making care easier.
How can seniors register?
Registration began on April 28, 2025. Seniors (or family) can sign up on the official Ayushman Bharat portal or mobile app using Aadhaar. They can also register at any empanelled hospital. After enrolling, they will receive an Ayushman Vay Vandana health card to use for free treatment.
