Surat: As part of the central government’s initiative to include all citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a camp was organized at the Olpad Primary School with the inspiring presence of Mukeshbhai Patel, State Minister for Forest and Environment, to distribute the Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards to senior citizens. The cards were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Minister himself.
Minister Mukeshbhai Patel shared that under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are entitled to benefits, irrespective of their social or economic status. They can receive treatment at PMJAY-linked hospitals by enrolling through their Aadhaar cards and obtaining Ayushman Vay Vandana cards. He urged the elders to take full advantage of this scheme.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted that the government’s welfare schemes provide a protective shield to families during difficult times. For example, the Ganga Swaroopa initiative provides a financial aid of Rs. 1250 per month directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vay Vandana Card initiative ensures that the elderly are cared for like sons in their families.
Previously, the elderly faced issues such as knee pain and had to rely on home remedies, but now, thanks to modern technology, knee surgeries are performed, allowing them to walk again, the Minister added.
He also mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which provides family security against financial hardships with a yearly premium of Rs. 330.
The event saw the participation of over 1500 elders and beneficiaries, along with Panchayat President Nitaben Patel, Vice President Kiran Patel, Village Sarpanch Anandbhai, District Panchayat member Sitaben, leaders like Brijesh Patel, Kuldeep Singh Rathod, Sunil Patel, other Panchayat members, organization workers, health officers, teachers, and many others.
