Bhubaneswar: The Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (AVVY), roll out on April 12 in Odisha this year, has emerged as a lifeline for senior citizens in the State, offering cashless healthcare worth up to ₹5 lakh per family for those aged 70 and above, irrespective of their economic status.
For families like that of Shyam Sundar Sahoo (72), a resident of Rangamatia under Mancheswar police limits in Bhubaneswar, the scheme has proved to be nothing short of a saviour. Earlier this month, Sahoo suffered from severe chest pain and was rushed to Apollo Hospital, Bhubaneswar. His daughter Sasmita recalled that the family, with limited financial means, felt helpless until the AVVY card came to their rescue.
Doctors at the hospital diagnosed Sahoo with coronary heart blockage and performed a coronary angiogram and stent implantation, all entirely free of cost under the scheme. “Because of the AVVY scheme, we were able to save our father’s life. We are deeply grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for launching this life-saving initiative,” said Sasmita.
Sahoo’s case is one among thousands. Official data reveals that in just four months since its rollout, the scheme has facilitated free treatment for over 9,700 elderly patients in private sector hospitals across Odisha. With its wide reach, AVVY is gaining rapid popularity, and so far, more than 5.63 lakh senior citizens in the state have already registered through the scheme’s online portal (http://beneficiary.nha.gov.in).
Healthcare experts note that the scheme is not only easing the financial burden of elderly citizens and their families but also ensuring timely, quality treatment for life-threatening illnesses.
