Advancing Universal and Inclusive Senior Care: Ayushman Vay Vandana Marks Two Years of Transforming Healthcare for Elderly Citizens

The Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative, marking its second year, extends health coverage under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of socio-economic status. Implemented by the National Health Authority, it aims to empower approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families with cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Eligible seniors in families already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an additional exclusive top-up cover of ₹5 lakh. As of October 2026, the scheme has recorded 23.46 lakh authorized hospital admissions valued at ₹5,668.80 crore, with significant utilization for cataract surgery, chronic hemodialysis, and advanced cardiac care like PTCA.