Delhi to Launch Special Ayushman Card Drive: Registration at Ration Shops from September 1–10

Residents of the capital who have not yet registered for the Ayushman Bharat Card or the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for senior citizens will soon get an easier way to apply. The Delhi government has announced a 10-day special enrollment campaign starting September 1, 2025, during which citizens can register for both health cards at their nearest ration shops (PDS centers).

The move is aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and ensuring that more families can access quality treatment without financial burden.

Campaign to Simplify Enrollment

According to officials, the enrollment process has been deliberately made convenient. Instead of visiting government offices, citizens will be able to apply directly at Public Distribution System (PDS) centers across Delhi. Applicants will only need two documents – ration card and Aadhaar card – to complete the registration.

Authorities believe this doorstep-style service will encourage wider participation, especially among economically weaker households, and ensure that no eligible family is left out.

Current Progress: Over 4.5 Lakh Cards Issued

Delhi’s Health Minister Pankaj Singh shared that nearly 4.55 lakh Ayushman health cards have already been issued in the capital. Out of these, about 2.28 lakh cards were provided to senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the state’s Vay Vandana scheme.

The minister also revealed that more than 5,000 patients have availed free medical treatment through these schemes so far.

More Hospitals to Join the Network

At present, around 140 hospitals in Delhi – including both government and private institutions – are listed under the Ayushman Bharat and Vay Vandana initiatives. The government has also confirmed that 70 additional private hospitals will soon be added to the panel.

This expansion is expected to significantly improve the availability of treatment options for beneficiaries, particularly in specialized care.

Cashless Treatment Up to ₹10 Lakh

One of the most attractive features of the scheme is its coverage. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Vay Vandana scheme, beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per year.

The scheme covers a wide range of services, including:

• Hospital admissions

• ICU care

• Medicines and diagnostic tests

• Major and minor surgeries

This comprehensive package ensures that families do not face financial stress while accessing critical healthcare.

Government’s Objective: Health Security for All

Officials believe the September 1–10 special drive will help boost enrollment numbers significantly. The campaign has been designed to reach maximum citizens and streamline healthcare access across Delhi.

“The goal is simple – no one should be denied medical treatment due to lack of money,” a senior official noted, stressing that the government’s focus is to ensure universal health security for all sections of society.

Why This Campaign Matters

Healthcare affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for families in urban India. The Delhi government’s decision to take enrollment centers closer to citizens, through ration shops, reflects a proactive approach to solving this challenge. By minimizing paperwork and offering easy access points, the state hopes to ensure that more households get insured under the Ayushman network.

If implemented successfully, the 10-day enrollment drive could not only increase card distribution but also set a model for other states to follow in expanding health coverage through community-level outreach.