Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 50th visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, highlighted the revolutionary impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the newly launched Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, which he said is transforming healthcare for India’s elderly — with dignity, trust, and accessibility at its core.
Speaking at a grand public gathering, PM Modi said, “Just a short while ago, I had the opportunity to hand over Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards to several elderly citizens here. The expression of satisfaction on their faces was, for me, the greatest success of this scheme.”
He assured the public that the scheme isn’t just about medical treatment, but restoring confidence and self-respect among India’s ageing population. “Now, every elderly member of a family above the age of 70, regardless of income, is entitled to free treatment. In Varanasi alone, nearly 50,000 Vaya Vandana cards have already been distributed to the elderly,” the PM announced.
Recalling the earlier state of healthcare in Purvanchal, the Prime Minister said, “The condition of medical facilities in this region a decade ago is no secret. But today, Kashi is emerging as a health capital, where facilities that once existed only in metros like Delhi and Mumbai are now accessible right at your doorstep.”
PM Modi described the Ayushman Bharat Yojana as a “boon for the poor,” emphasizing that the scheme doesn’t just offer financial relief but builds trust in the system. “This is true development — when facilities come to the people. The Ayushman Bharat scheme gives more than medical treatment; it gives hope,” he said.
Apart from health, the Prime Minister also lauded the transformation of the dairy sector and women’s empowerment through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi scheme. Commending the work of Banas Dairy in Varanasi, he remarked, “Through Banas, many women from Purvanchal have today become Lakhpati Didis. This progress is being seen across the country.”
He credited India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer to the tireless efforts of farmers and animal keepers. “This success belongs to the farmers and animal keepers of the nation. It didn’t happen overnight. We’ve supported them through Kisan Credit Cards, loans, vaccinations, and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission,” he added.
In line with the government's vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” the PM reiterated his commitment to integrating animal keepers into the mainstream economy. He praised the growing population of Gir cows at Banas Dairy and the dairy’s extensive network, which now includes nearly one lakh animal keepers in the region.
During his visit, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 44 key development projects worth ₹3,880 crore. These initiatives span urban infrastructure, rural connectivity, and essential services — marking a significant step toward Varanasi’s transformation into a model city.
“When you blessed us for the third time, I made a promise to serve with even more dedication. Ayushman Vaya Vandana is the result of that commitment. From now on, don't worry about the cost of treatment — the government will take care of it,” the Prime Minister concluded, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
