Baramulla ,6 Nov (KNS) : In a major stride towards strengthening elderly healthcare, Baramulla district has witnessed a remarkable 55.4% increase in health card issuance for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana scheme in just seven days, from October 29 to November 5, 2025. This rapid progress highlights the district administration’s focused efforts to provide universal health coverage for its elderly population.
The Vay Vandana scheme, launched in November 2024, aims to enroll senior citizens aged 70 and above for comprehensive healthcare benefits. However, the scheme had achieved only 23% enrollment over the entire previous year, indicating the need for a more proactive approach.
To expedite implementation, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla issued an order on October 28, 2025, appointing Dr. Jozi Bashir, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, as the nodal officer for the scheme. Following this decision, the district administration intensified awareness campaigns, coordinated with local healthcare centers, and streamlined the health card issuance process.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Officials reported that the surge in enrollment is a result of improved coordination between government departments, active outreach to eligible senior citizens, and the efficient management of health card distribution. Local healthcare facilities have also played a crucial role in guiding and assisting the elderly in completing their registrations quickly and smoothly.
The district administration expressed its commitment to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that every eligible senior citizen in Baramulla benefits from the scheme. Authorities emphasized that healthcare accessibility for the elderly is a top priority, and similar efforts will continue to enhance the welfare of the district’s vulnerable population.
With this accelerated progress, Baramulla is setting an example for other districts in the state, demonstrating how proactive measures and effective leadership can significantly improve healthcare outreach for senior citizens.(KNS)