New Delhi: Prime Minister is set to announce a significant Diwali gift for citizens aged 70 and above by expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for senior citizens on October 29. This scheme promises free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually in accredited hospitals, directly benefiting around 6 crore senior citizens across approximately 4.5 crore families.
In addition to this healthcare expansion, PM Modi will introduce the ‘U Win’ digital registry – a new electronic vaccination platform designed for continuous health monitoring. U Win will support vaccination tracking for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children from birth to age 17. Modeled after the successful Co-Win system used during the COVID-19 pandemic, U Win will allow citizens to digitally record vaccinations and ensure accessible healthcare records.
Details of the Ayushman Bharat Expansion for Seniors
The AB-PMJAY expansion provides coverage in 29,648 hospitals, with 12,696 private facilities on the roster. Currently, this healthcare scheme is active in 33 states and Union Territories, excluding Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal. With the launch of this initiative, eligible seniors will be able to receive an Ayushman Card, providing access to healthcare services across the country.
Eligible citizens must be 70 or older, with age verified through their Aadhaar card. Even those with an existing Ayushman Card will need to apply for an updated version and complete their Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation. Registration can be done online through the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman app, ensuring that poor and affluent elderly individuals alike can receive equitable healthcare benefits.
U Win Platform: A New Frontier in Vaccination Management
The U Win platform will play a pivotal role in managing vaccinations across diverse demographics. This initiative is aimed at ensuring comprehensive vaccine records for all age groups, especially focusing on immunizations for newborns, children, and expecting mothers. U Win’s launch signifies the government’s commitment to proactive healthcare, where individuals can access and manage their vaccination history with ease.
PM Modi may also announce additional initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations, further strengthening India’s health infrastructure. The expanded AB-PMJAY scheme is expected to provide immense relief to families and foster healthier communities nationwide, as it brings crucial medical support directly to the elderly.