STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: BJP Vice-President and former Minister Priya Sethi today inaugurated an enrollment camp for the Vaya Vandana Card under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) at Ward No. 3, Jammu. The camp was organised by Anuradha and Sanjeev Verma and witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Priya Sethi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and commitment toward the welfare of the elderly and termed it a lifeline for senior citizens of India.
“This initiative reflects PM Modi’s deep concern for senior citizens who have contributed immensely to building our nation. Providing them with assured health coverage is not just a policy but a gesture of respect and gratitude,” she said.
As per the newly approved provisions, Priya Sethi said, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, are eligible to avail themselves of the benefits under AB PM-JAY. They will be issued a new Distinct Card to access free and quality healthcare services.
Senior citizens from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will now receive an additional top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh per year, exclusively for themselves, separate from younger family members. Those not covered under the scheme will get a Rs 5 lakh annual family-based cover, she said.
Furthermore, Priya Sethi added, senior citizens already enrolled under CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF schemes can either continue their existing plan or opt for AB PM-JAY benefits.
Priya Sethi urged all eligible elderly citizens to enroll and avail themselves of the benefits, calling the move a “transformative step toward universal health assurance and social dignity for India’s elderly.”