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Highlighting India’s progress in healthcare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Varanasi, distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens and described their smiles as a testament to the scheme’s success.
PM Modi reflected on the challenges families faced a decade ago in accessing quality healthcare in Purvanchal, adding that Varanasi is now emerging as the region’s health capital.
Prime Minister Modi stated that high-end medical facilities, once found only in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, are now available near people’s homes.
“This is the true meaning of development- bringing essential services closer to people,” the Prime Minister said.
Ayushman Bharat: A Lifeline For Millions
PM Modi hailed the Ayushman Bharat scheme for transforming the healthcare landscape, particularly for the poor.
“It’s not just about free treatment,” Prime Minister Modi said. “But about restoring dignity and confidence in patients’ lives.”
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that thousands in Varanasi and lakhs across the state have already benefited, with the scheme saving crores of rupees for countless families.
PM Modi also reiterated his earlier promise of free treatment for senior citizens, which materialized through the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme.
This program provides free medical care for all individuals above the age of 70, regardless of income.
Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi noted, has distributed nearly 50,000 such cards—the highest in the country.
Empowering The Elderly
Calling it a mission of service, PM Modi emphasized that families no longer have to sell land, borrow money, or feel helpless in emergencies.
“With the Ayushman card, the government shoulders the burden of their healthcare expenses,” Prime Minister Modi said.
The Prime Minister also handed out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to local products, including the iconic tabla, traditional paintings, thandai, and tiranga barfi, promoting regional identity and artisanship.
PM Modi further transferred ₹105 crore in bonuses to milk suppliers from Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy, underscoring the government’s continued support for farmers and cooperative enterprises.
Massive Development Push
In addition to healthcare, PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various infrastructure and public welfare projects in Varanasi, cumulatively worth over ₹3,880 crore.
These projects aim to bolster urban development, cultural heritage, and essential services in the region.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holistic development, with a particular focus on healthcare accessibility, senior citizen welfare, and regional empowerment.
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