PM Modi Affirms Dignity for Seniors through Ayushman Bharat in Varanasi
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Synopsis
On April 11, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Varanasi, emphasizing its role in ensuring free healthcare and dignity for senior citizens. He recounted his experience distributing Vaya Vandana cards and discussed the improved healthcare landscape in Purvanchal, alongside initiatives supporting women in dairy farming.
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana guarantees free treatment for seniors.
- Distribution of Vaya Vandana Cards has begun.
- Healthcare facilities in Purvanchal have significantly improved.
- Women in dairy farming are empowered through Banas Dairy.
- Government supports animal keepers through various initiatives.
Varanasi, April 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on Friday that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana not only provides complimentary medical treatment to senior citizens but also safeguards their dignity and peace of mind.
Speaking to a sizable audience in Varanasi, PM Modi recounted his experience of distributing Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards to elderly residents.
"Recently, I had the privilege to present Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards to numerous elderly individuals here. The look of contentment on their faces was, for me, the ultimate achievement of this initiative," he remarked.
Focusing on the advancements in healthcare facilities in the area, he noted, "The anxiety surrounding treatment for seniors is something widely recognized. The state of medical services in Purvanchal a decade ago is also well-documented. Today, we see a different scenario. My Kashi is evolving into a health hub."
"Top hospitals from Delhi and Mumbai are now within reach of your neighborhoods. This is genuine development -- when services are brought to the people. Over the past decade, we have not only expanded the number of hospitals but have also elevated the dignity of patients. The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a true blessing for our underprivileged brothers and sisters. This initiative offers not only medical care but also trust," he stated.
The Prime Minister further mentioned that countless individuals in Uttar Pradesh and specifically in Varanasi have reaped the benefits of this scheme.
"When you bestowed upon us your blessings for the third time, we endeavored to give back through our service. I ensured that seniors would receive free healthcare. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana is a manifestation of that commitment. This initiative transcends mere medical care; it is about safeguarding the dignity of our elderly citizens," he asserted.
"Now, every family member aged over 70, regardless of their income, qualifies for free medical treatment. In Varanasi alone, nearly 50,000 Vaya Vandana cards have been issued to seniors. This number is not just a statistic -- it exemplifies the service rendered by a servant of the people," PM Modi declared.
"You need not worry about medical expenses anymore. The government will handle it," the Prime Minister reassured.
PM Modi also commended animal keepers, particularly women, in the Purvanchal area for setting a commendable example.
He acknowledged the contributions of Banas Dairy in Varanasi and its role in empowering women through the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative. He congratulated the dairy workers for the bonuses they received, calling it a gift for their dedication.
"Through Banas, numerous women from Purvanchal have emerged as Lakhpati Didis. This progress is evident nationwide," he stated, highlighting that India has now become the world's largest milk producer -- a recognition he attributed to farmers and animal keepers.
"This achievement belongs to the nation's farmers and animal keepers. It was not an overnight success. For the past decade, we have devoted efforts to enhance the dairy sector -- issuing Kisan Credit Cards, increasing loans, and supporting animal keepers," he explained.
PM Modi also spoke about the free vaccination initiatives for animals under the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' vision. He emphasized the government's commitment to unify and bolster the dairy industry, particularly through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
"We aim to integrate animal keepers into the mainstream of development and progress," he stated.
He noted that the population of Gir cows has risen at Banas Dairy and that the dairy now sources milk from nearly one lakh animal keepers in the Purvanchal region.
PM Modi visited his parliamentary constituency for the 50th time to inaugurate and lay the groundwork for development projects worth Rs 3,880 crore.
He also launched a total of 44 projects aimed at revolutionizing both urban and rural infrastructure in the area. These initiatives are anticipated to greatly improve public amenities, enhance connectivity, and modernize essential services for the residents of Varanasi.
