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Delhi CM Extends PMJAY Health Cover to Widows, Disability Pensioners

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced the extension of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) benefits to widow pensioners and disability pension beneficiaries, along with their families. The decision, taken in a Cabinet meeting, is expected to directly benefit approximately 5.28 lakh additional individuals from these categories. This move aims to expand robust health security in the capital, ensuring no eligible citizen is deprived of affordable healthcare due to financial constraints. The CM stated this step aligns with the vision of inclusive development and strengthens the existing network of 208 empanelled hospitals under the scheme.

Key Points: Delhi Widows, Disability Pensioners Get PMJAY Health Benefits

  • 5.5 lakh more families covered
  • Includes widow & disability pensioners
  • Part of PMJAY/Ayushman Bharat
  • 208 empanelled hospitals in Delhi
  • Over 29,120 beneficiaries treated so far
3 min read

Delhi CM extends PMJAY benefits to widows, disability pensioners​

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces inclusion of widow & disability pension beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, covering 5.5 lakh more families.

"This decision will bring direct and meaningful change to the lives of lakhs of needy families. - Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, Feb 24

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that widow pension beneficiaries and persons with disabilities receiving government pensions will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.​

Their families will also be eligible to avail themselves of the scheme's benefits, she said.​

The Chief Minister said that this decision will bring direct and meaningful change to the lives of lakhs of needy families.​

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at the Delhi Secretariat.

​Providing details, she informed that approximately 3,96,615 widow pension beneficiaries and around 1,31,515 beneficiaries under the disability pension scheme will directly benefit.​

She reiterated that the government is firmly committed to ensuring that no poor, vulnerable, or needy citizen of Delhi is deprived of medical treatment due to financial constraints.​

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the country's largest health protection scheme, and the Delhi Government has taken a significant step to make it more effective and inclusive.​

Chief Minister Gupta stated that following this decision, approximately 5.5 lakh additional families will come under a robust health security cover.​

These families will be in addition to those already covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PRS) categories, senior citizens above 70 years of age, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers.

​With this, the scope of health protection in Delhi will expand in an unprecedented manner, she said.​

She added that the decision is a strong step towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas".​

Through Ayushman Bharat, the Prime Minister has ensured health security for crores of poor families across the country, and the Delhi government remains committed to extending the scheme's benefits to every eligible individual in the capital, she said.​

The Chief Minister emphasised that the government's objective is clear: no eligible citizen should be deprived of quality and affordable healthcare services.​

She said that 7,23,707 Ayushman cards have been issued in Delhi so far, including 2,74,620 cards to senior citizens. For effective implementation of the scheme in the capital, a network of 208 hospitals has been empanelled, comprising 156 private and 53 government hospitals.​

Through the State Health Agency (SHA) in Delhi, more than 29,120 beneficiaries have received treatment under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to date.​

Chief Minister Gupta said this is not merely an administrative decision, but a commitment linked to the health and dignity of every needy family in Delhi.​

The initiative marks a significant step towards building a healthy, compassionate, equitable, and inclusive Delhi, where the benefits of development reach every individual, and no one is left behind, an official said.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Finally some good news! My bua is a widow pensioner and the constant worry about hospital bills was a huge stress. Knowing her family is also covered is a big relief. Hope the implementation on the ground is smooth and hospitals don't create hurdles.
S
Siddharth J
While the intent is commendable, I hope this isn't just an announcement before elections. The article says 7 lakh+ cards issued, but only 29,120 have received treatment? That's a huge gap. The focus should be on ensuring people can actually use the scheme without red tape.
P
Priya S
Health security for over 5 lakh additional families is no small feat. This is how 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' should work - by lifting up those who need it most. My respect for ASHA and Anganwadi workers being covered earlier. They are the real health heroes.
D
David E
Working in public health, I see this as a very positive model. Including families is crucial because medical emergencies affect the entire household's finances. If Delhi can show this works well, other states should definitely follow.
K
Kavya N
A step in the right direction! But the government must also run awareness campaigns in colonies. Many eligible people, especially elderly widows, don't know how to apply for these cards or are afraid of the process. Door-to-door assistance would help.

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