New Delhi: To empowering senior citizens, the Delhi Government today unveiled the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana’ during a grand ceremony at Thyagaraj Stadium. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially launched the scheme, which offers extensive healthcare benefits to Delhi residents aged 70 years and above.
The introduction of the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana’ represents a major advancement in Delhi’s commitment to inclusive welfare, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for its elderly population. As part of the launch, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta distributed the first set of ‘Vay Vandana Cards’ to senior citizens, officially commencing the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri praised the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana’ as a “historic step” in safeguarding the welfare of the elderly. He lauded the Delhi Government’s proactive measures under what he described as a “Triple Engine Government,” accelerating the city’s overall development. Taking a swipe at the previous administration, Shri Puri pointed out that the non-implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme had denied Delhi’s residents critical healthcare benefits. He also emphasized India’s strong economic trajectory under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership and expressed confidence that India would attain developed nation status by 2047.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta outlined the details of the scheme, stating that any Delhi resident aged 70 years or above could access the scheme’s benefits by simply presenting an Aadhaar card and proof of residence in Delhi. The scheme is open to all, irrespective of income level, ensuring broad inclusivity. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card will document each beneficiary’s health history, treatments, and medication details. Cardholders will be eligible for free health check-ups, free medicines, free treatments including emergency services, and coverage of medical expenses up to ₹10 lakh at empanelled hospitals.
Currently, about 100 hospitals in Delhi have been empanelled under this initiative, with plans to gradually extend the network nationwide. Senior citizens who travel outside Delhi will also be able to avail themselves of free treatment at empanelled hospitals across various locations in the country.
Alongside the launch of the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana,’ the Chief Minister also announced the creation of 1,139 ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’ across Delhi. Each legislative constituency will house around 15 such centers, offering citizens free primary healthcare services, regular health check-ups, and essential medicines.
To strengthen the healthcare system, the Delhi Government has earmarked ₹12,893 crore in the 2025-26 budget for healthcare upgrades, which include constructing 24 new hospitals and adding 16,186 new beds. Additionally, ₹2,144 crore has been specifically allocated for the expansion of Ayushman Bharat-related healthcare services.
CM Rekha Gupta stressed that the ‘Vay Vandana Yojana’ is more than just a government welfare scheme; it is a heartfelt tribute to the dignity and well-being of senior citizens. “Seniors are the roots of our society. Their respect and care remain our highest priority,” she asserted. She further urged all public representatives to proactively assist senior citizens, particularly those who may face difficulties with technology, ensuring that every eligible individual can register without hurdles.
Taking a pointed jab at the previous administration, the Chief Minister affirmed, “Delhi will now chart its own path. No citizen’s rights will be undermined. This government is unwavering in its commitment to stand with the senior citizens of Delhi.”
Cabinet Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh also addressed the challenges elderly citizens face, including limited income and escalating medical costs. He highlighted that traditional insurance plans often exclude coverage for pre-existing health conditions, leaving the elderly exposed and vulnerable. In this context, he said, the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana serves as a critical protective shield, ensuring that senior citizens receive necessary healthcare and the dignity they deserve.
The ceremony witnessed an impressive turnout, with Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as the Chief Guest. The event was also graced by the presence of Delhi Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, and several other distinguished leaders. Thousands of senior citizens from all over Delhi enthusiastically participated in the celebration.