Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a 10-day intensive campaign from June 12-21 to enrol all senior citizens aged 70 and above in Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (AVVY).
This scheme offers Rs 5 lakh top-up health coverage to every senior citizen irrespective of income, in addition to any AB PM-JAY entitlement that is already in place, specifically for citizens who are 70 and above. This means that eligible seniors can avail up to Rs 10 lakh of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Notably, Union Health Minister JP Nadda had rolled out the health assurance scheme in the state along with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana in April. With 3.45 lakh of the 23 lakh targeted beneficiaries enrolled so far, the government is planning to conduct the drive in a mission mode to achieve 100 per cent saturation during Bikash Vahan Jatra.
Health Secretary Aswathy S on Tuesday directed Chief District Medical Officers to create gram panchayat-level plans, involving Common Service Centres, village workers, ASHAs, and ANMs for effective outreach and enrolment. Health workers will notify AVVY beneficiaries in advance to assemble at designated spots when the Bikash Vahan arrives, with CSC representatives aiding on-the-spot digital enrolment.
