New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the 'Ayushman Vay Vandana Card' will be available to eligible senior citizens of Delhi from April 28, helping to reduce the medical expenses of families and lessen their worries.

In a post on X, Puri said the landmark scheme has provided senior citizens above age of 70 free treatment in good hospitals.

He said the scheme is proving to be a milestone and is benefiting thousands of elderly citizens.

'70 ke baad bhi rahe apki sehat shandar, Bhajpa sarkar se swasthaya ka naya uphar,' the Union Minister said.

'Now the elderly will not have to worry about their health, because Modiji's 'Ayushman Vay Vandana' is going to bring happiness and peace,' he added.

Taking a swipe at the previous AAP-led government in the national capital, Hardeep Puri said that while the elderly across the country had been benefiting from the scheme, Delhi had remained deprived of it because the Kejriwal government had not implemented it due to 'malice.'

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, everyone will now be eligible to receive the benefits of the Centre's public welfare schemes.

'The cards will be distributed from April 28. Senior Citizens of Delhi will also have Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, there will be a reduction in family expenses, and worries will also lessen,' he said.

'This card shows the 'Ayushman Bhav' spirit of the Modi government,' he added.

The Union Minister said that the difference between one's own and others can be felt in old age, especially if there is a disease. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed this difference. Whether it is rich or poor, he has kept the same relationship, given free treatment to every senior citizen above 70 in good hospitals,' the Union Minister said.

Delhi Chief Minister had earlier announced that card distribution for the Vaya Vandana Yojana will start on April 28, along with beneficiary registration across Delhi.

PM Modi had in October last year announced expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Under the expansion, all senior citizen aged 70 years and above are receiving 'Ayushman Vay Vandana Card' which will help them avail healthcare benefits.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides Rs 5 lakh free health cover to all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.

Senior citizens, who are already availing benefits of various government schemes including Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have to choose between their existing scheme or can opt for AB PM-JAY. Additionally, persons covered by private health insurance coverage or members of the Employees' State Insurance scheme are eligible to benefit from AB PM-JAY. (ANI)