Associated News Bureau

Srinagar Achieves 70% Coverage Under Vay Vandana Scheme; DC Urges Eligible Seniors to Enrol

Srinagar, October 19: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday visited the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) at Lal Bazar and presided over an awareness-cum-registration camp for senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme. The camp was organised as part of the District Administration’s efforts to ensure wider coverage of eligible senior citizens under the scheme, which provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to eligible beneficiaries, strengthening their access to healthcare and reducing the financial burden of medical treatment. According to officials, Srinagar district has achieved 70 per cent coverage under the scheme, while efforts are underway to register the remaining eligible senior citizens. The programme, organised by the Zonal Medical Officer, Zadibal, witnessed participation from elderly residents of Lal Bazar, Mandibal, Nowshahra, Botshah Mohalla, Baghwanpora and adjoining areas. Participants were informed about the benefits of the scheme, eligibility criteria and the registration process. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and urged all eligible citizens aged 70 years and above to enrol under the scheme. He said the initiative aims to strengthen healthcare security for senior citizens by providing financial assistance for medical treatment, improving access to healthcare services and helping them lead healthier and more dignified lives. During the programme, Labroo distributed Vay Vandana cards among eligible beneficiaries of Medical Zone Zadibal. He reiterated the District Administration’s commitment to reaching out to all eligible senior citizens and facilitating their registration so that they can avail themselves of the benefits provided under the scheme. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS Probationer Aakash Garg, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tahir Sajad, Tehsildar Eidgah Mohammad Iqbal Zargar, Zonal Medical Officer Zadibal Dr Rubeena Aziz, Zonal Medical Officer S.R. Gunj Dr Shafqat, Medical Superintendent Government Gousia Hospital Dr Zahida Gul and other district officers. Later, the Deputy Commissioner inspected various sections of UPHC Lal Bazar and reviewed the healthcare facilities and services being provided to patients. He also assessed the functioning of the health centre and the arrangements in place to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to the public. ANB