New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Coordinator and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of ‘Sanjivani Yojana’ on Wednesday.
Party leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj described the scheme as an improved version, addressing the weaknesses in the central government’s health schemes.
The scheme is designed to provide free treatment to elderly residents of Delhi aged 60 years and above.
Bhardwaj said, “Today, Kejriwal ji launched an important scheme under which senior citizens above 60 years of age will get free treatment at private hospitals without any cost.”
When questioned about the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, Bhardwaj criticized its limitations, saying, “It covers people aged 70 years and above and its premium limit is only Rs 5 lakh. There are many flaws in the Centre’s scheme. The Delhi government has launched a good scheme. which addresses these issues.”
Earlier, addressing a public gathering, Kejriwal highlighted the challenges faced by the elderly: “In old age, one thing bothers everyone. With age, many diseases appear, and the biggest concern is access to treatment. I have seen elderly people from good families. Their children take care of them. Even if it fails, you don’t need to worry.
He added, “Today I am announcing the Sanjeevani Yojana for Delhi’s senior citizens. Under this scheme, residents above 60 years will get free treatment. We will implement the scheme after the elections and ensure its passage.”
Kejriwal emphasized that the scheme would provide treatment in both government and private hospitals, saying, “Whether treatment is done in government or private hospitals, it will be completely free. There will be no restrictions – anyone can be rich or poor. Treatment with no upper limit.” .”
He also said that the registration for this scheme will start soon and AAP workers will go door to door. “Registration will start in 2-3 days. No need to go to any office; Aam Aadmi Party workers will come to your doorstep, complete the registration, and provide you with the card. Keep it safe,” Kejriwal said.
Concluding his address, Kejriwal assured, “Once our government is formed after the elections, this son of yours will take full responsibility of ensuring your health in old age.”
Assembly elections in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. In the 2020 assembly elections, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP got eight.