The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024, on Ayurveda Day, promises free healthcare for senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income or economic background. Part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), this initiative provides health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh, ensuring elderly citizens access essential medical treatments without financial strain.
During the event, which also celebrated Dhanvantari Jayanti at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, PM Modi inaugurated health sector projects valued at around Rs. 12,850 crore. This significant step reinforces the governmentโs commitment to making healthcare more inclusive, especially for Indiaโs aging population, by expanding medical support through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme
The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme, a new initiative under the Ayushman Bharat program, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day. This scheme aims to provide free healthcare to all senior citizens in India aged 70 and above, with a focus on supporting those from economically weaker sections. By covering major medical expenses, this scheme allows elderly citizens to receive necessary treatment without the burden of hospital bills.
Through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card, eligible senior citizens can access health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh for treatments, ensuring access to quality healthcare without financial strain. Announced during a ceremony at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the scheme reinforces the governmentโs commitment to senior citizensโ well-being, providing them with greater security.
Short Summary of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme
Name of the Scheme | Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme |
Launched By | The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
Launched Date | October 29, 2024 |
Objective | Free healthcare for senior citizens regardless of economic status |
Occasion | Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day |
Target Group | Senior citizens aged 70 and above |
Health Coverage Amount | Up to Rs. 5 lakh per year |
Eligibility | All Indian citizens aged 70 and above |
Special Focus | Economically weaker senior citizens |
Coverage Scope | Medical treatments and hospitalization expenses covered |
Implementation Site | Announced at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi |
Significance | Strengthens access to healthcare, ensuring financial relief for senior citizens |
Mode of Application | Online |
Official Website | https://pmjay.gov.in/ |
The objective of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme
The objectives of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme are as follows:
- The objective of this scheme is to provide free healthcare access to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
- The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses for elderly citizens.
- The scheme aims to ensure healthcare support for economically weaker senior citizens.
- The objective of the scheme is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens through better health services.
- The scheme aims to promote inclusive healthcare, irrespective of income or economic status.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme are as follows:
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of India.
- Applicant must be a senior citizen aged 70 years or above.
- Open to all senior citizens, regardless of income or socio-economic status.
- Provides free health treatment at any hospital empaneled under AB PM-JAY.
Benefits of the Ayushman Vandana Scheme
Here are some benefits of Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme, which are as follows:
- The scheme provides free health coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh for senior citizens.
- The scheme covers a wide range of medical treatments and hospital expenses.
- It is accessible at any empaneled hospital under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- The scheme provides financial relief from high medical bills for elderly citizens.
- It ensures healthcare access regardless of income or economic status.
- It improves health security and quality of life for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Read it: PMMVY Beneficiary List
Required Documents
Candidates should have the following documents to apply for Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
- Aadhar Card
- Address Proof
- Age Proof
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Date of Birth
- Bank Details
- Passport Size Photograph
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Salient Features
Salient Features of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme are as follows:
- The scheme is launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024.
- Part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
- The scheme targets senior citizens aged 70 and above across India.
- Offers free health coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per year.
- Available to all senior citizens, regardless of income or socio-economic status.
- Treatment benefits can be availed at empaneled hospitals nationwide.
- Provides financial protection against hospitalization and major medical expenses.
- Launched on Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, highlighting health and wellness.
Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Apply Online 2025
To apply for Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Online, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official Ayushman Card Website.

Step 2: Enter your phone number and OTP (one-time password) to access the portal.
Step 3: Fill in your state, district, Aadhaar number, or Family ID to search for your details.

Step 4: Click the โActionโ button to initiate the application process.
Step 5: Upload a recent photograph and complete your KYC by verifying with an Aadhaar OTP.
Step 6: Enter your district, village, PIN code, date of birth, and mobile number.
Step 7: Click the โSubmitโ button to complete the process.
Download the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Card
To download the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Card, please follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the PMJAY Website.

Step 2: On the homepage, find and click the โAm I Eligibleโ option. This will redirect you to the Beneficiary NHA Portal.

Step 3: Enter your phone number and the OTP (one-time password) sent to your phone.
Step 4: Provide details like your state, district, Aadhaar number, or Family ID to search for your information.

Step 5: Click the โActionโ button to begin your application.
Step 6: Add a recent photograph as part of the application.
Step 7: Verify your identity by completing KYC using your Aadhaar OTP.

Step 8: Fill in Personal Information: Enter your district, village, PIN code, date of birth, and mobile number.
Step 9: After filling in the details, click the โSubmitโ button to complete the application.
Step 10: Once your application is processed and approved, you can download your Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Card.
Check Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Card Status
To check the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme Card Status, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website https://pmjay.gov.in/.
Step 2: On the homepage, click the โAm I Eligibleโ option.

Step 3: On the new page, enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number, then click the โSubmitโ button.
Step 4: A list of names will appear. Find your name and your Ayushman Card status will be displayed on the right side.
Helpline Number
- Toll-Free Number: 14555
- Email ID: webmaster-pmjay[at]nha[dot]gov[dot]in
FAQs
What is the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme?
A healthcare initiative providing free coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Who is eligible for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme?
All Indian citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income or socio-economic status.
What benefits does the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme offer?
Offers up to Rs. 5 lakh coverage for medical treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization.
How can I apply for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Scheme?
Apply online via https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in/ by submitting necessary details and documents.
What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
Aadhaar card, age proof, address proof, PAN card, photograph, and mobile number.
Can I use this card at any hospital?
Yes, the card is valid at any hospital empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY network.
What if I face issues during the application process?
Contact the helpline at 14555 or email webmaster-pmjay@nha.gov.in for assistance.