MLC alleges negligence in implementation of health scheme for elderly

Mangaluru: Raising serious concern over the poor implementation of the central govt's ambitious ‘Ayushman Vayo Vandana' health insurance scheme for those above 70 years, MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur highlighted the issue during the zero hour in the legislative council on Tuesday.The MLC stated that lakhs of issued cards have become practically useless due to the state govt's negligence. He stated that the central govt expanded the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to provide free health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for all citizens aged above 70 under the ‘Vayo Vandana' scheme. The state cabinet approved the implementation of this scheme in Sept 2025, and the health department also issued necessary orders. However, unfortunately, the scheme has not been effectively implemented on the ground. So far, 2,16,265 senior citizens in the state have been issued cards under this scheme. However, as hospitals are not accepting these cards, elderly citizens are forced to run from one hospital to another in search of treatment. Due to non-implementation, these cards have become completely ineffective, the MLC said. "Ensuring the welfare and social security of senior citizens, who belong to a vulnerable section of society, is a fundamental responsibility of any govt. The cultural strength of a society is reflected in how it treats its elderly. For senior citizens in the twilight of their lives, schemes like ‘Ayushman Vayo Vandana' are crucial to ensure dignity, security, and access to healthcare," the MLC said, adding that he has strongly urged the state govt to stop further delay and immediately implement the scheme in full spirit.