By Vishwapati
Patna: The Bihar government has introduced the ‘Vaya Vandan Yojana’, aimed at providing health insurance and better medical facilities to senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Modelled on the lines of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, this initiative seeks to benefit 55.73 lakh elderly individuals across the state. Under the scheme, each eligible senior citizen will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. This insurance can be utilised for treatment in both government and private hospitals.
Process of Obtaining a Health Card
To obtain a health card under the scheme, senior citizens can call the toll-free number 14555 for assistance. Additionally, they can check the status of their card by giving a missed call to 18001-10770. With this health card, elderly citizens will have the financial autonomy to bear the expenses of their medical treatment.
Expanding the Scope of Health Schemes
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has already benefited 3.67 crore individuals in Bihar, providing health services to 1.79 crore families. The Vaya Vandan Yojana extends these benefits specifically to citizens aged 70 and above.
In parallel, the government is working on establishing a Directorate of Pension and Treasury to address the grievances of retired government employees. This directorate will act as a nodal agency under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and ensure online contributions through the e-Kuber platform.
A Step Towards Financial Transparency and Better Living Standards
The establishment of the Vaya Vandan Yojana and the proposed Pension Directorate is a significant step towards improving the lives of Bihar’s elderly and retired government employees. This initiative not only promises quality health services but also aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in financial services, uplifting the standard of living for the elderly.
This visionary approach by the Bihar government underscores its commitment to ensuring a dignified and secure life for its senior citizens.
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- The author Vishwapati is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com