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New Delhi, April 22, 2025: The Delhi government is preparing to launch Ayushman Health cards for approximately six lakh senior citizens above the age of 70, with the official rollout scheduled for April 28, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced on Monday.
This initiative brings Delhi seniors under the umbrella of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). According to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, this expansion, termed Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana within the Delhi context, will provide Rs 5 lakh in free health coverage to all residents aged 70 and above, irrespective of their socio-economic background. Significantly, the coverage includes pre-existing conditions from day one.
“It is estimated that more than six lakh senior citizens in Delhi belonging to nearly 4.5 lakh families will be benefited,” Nadda stated earlier.
Officials estimate that the broader implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi will benefit around 30 lakh individuals from over 6.5 lakh families. Including the targeted senior citizen group, the total number of beneficiaries in the capital is expected to reach approximately 36 lakh people.
Alongside the healthcare expansion, Minister Singh elaborated on the Delhi government’s comprehensive Heat Action Plan 2025, recently launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. With rising temperatures anticipated, the plan focuses on preparedness and mitigation across the city.
Key measures include setting up special heatstroke wards in all government hospitals, which have been placed on alert to handle heat-related emergencies. Air-conditioned Centralised Accidents and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulances are also ready to assist those needing hospitalisation due to heat stress.
“Patient facilities in hospitals have also been upgraded so that they get cold water to drink and air-conditioned zones for waiting,” Minister Singh told media persons.
The Heat Action Plan, developed in consultation with the National and Delhi Disaster Management Authorities, extends beyond healthcare facilities. It includes the installation of 3,000 water coolers across Delhi and the construction of cooling shades on footpaths to offer relief to pedestrians.
Awareness and education are also central components. Brochures detailing heatstroke management units, CATS infrastructure, and disaster-ready schools have been released. The government aims to train over 1.4 million students in more than 5,500 Delhi schools on disaster management and heatwave protection.
“The government’s goal is for every school and hospital in Delhi to be fully prepared to face heatwaves,” Singh asserted. “Through awareness, training, and necessary resources, we will ensure the safety of every citizen’s life.” He emphasized that strong preventive measures would be implemented from slums to hospitals.
Disclaimer: This news article was generated based on provided text snippets.
