BJP flags denial of senior citizen health cards in AP hospitals

Vijayawada: AP BJP president PVN Madhav has urged the state govt to issue directives ensuring that all govt and private hospitals accept senior citizen cards and Ayushman Vayo Vandana Cards without exception.In a statement released on Wednesday, Madhav emphasised the need for immediate govt intervention to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens. He noted that during the BJP's ongoing "Janata Varadhi" outreach programme, conducted under the slogan "Sarva Sparshi – Sarva Vyapti," party workers encountered numerous elderly citizens who raised concerns about the non-acceptance of these cards at several hospitals.Highlighting the issue, he said that denial of these cards is causing significant inconvenience to senior citizens, many of whom rely on such schemes for affordable healthcare. He called for a permanent solution through strict guidelines mandating all healthcare institutions to honour these cards.Madhav also underlined that ensuring dignity, security and accessible healthcare for the elderly is a societal responsibility and urged the govt to respond promptly.In addition, he stressed the importance of strengthening the AYUSH sector, comprising Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, in Andhra Pradesh. With traditional Indian medical systems gaining recognition globally, he said the state must prioritise their development.