SRINAGAR: In a major push to digitize healthcare and secure the elderly population of the summer capital, the District Administration has shifted gears to “saturation mode.”
Reviewing the progress of flagship health schemes at the DC Office Complex on Wednesday (Jan 28), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, directed health officials to ensure that no eligible citizen is left behind, particularly focusing on the new Ayushman Vay Vandana (AVV) scheme for senior citizens.
The headline success? Over 12,000 senior citizens (aged 70+) in Srinagar have already been issued AVV cards, unlocking an additional ₹5 lakh in free health coverage.
Key Directive: “Find Every Eligible Senior Citizen”
The meeting, attended by Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Tahir Sajad, emphasized that the AVV scheme is a game-changer for geriatric care.
- The Mandate: The DC explicitly instructed Zonal Medical Officers (ZMOs) to launch mass awareness camps immediately.
- The Goal: To ensure every individual aged 70 years and above is enrolled—regardless of their income status—enabling them to avail cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Digital Health Mission: ABHA ID Saturation
Beyond insurance, the review focused on the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)—the digital backbone of India’s future healthcare.
The Gap: While progress has been made, the DC noted gaps in certain Medical Zones. The Order: Officials were directed to “accelerate registration drives” to achieve 100% saturation.
This unique ID allows patients to store and share medical records digitally, eliminating the need to carry physical files to major hospitals like SMHS, SKIMS, or JLNM.
TB Control & Winter Care
The meeting also assessed the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
- Progress: The District TB Control Team was appreciated for recent achievements in detection and cure rates.
- Winter Advisory: Given the ongoing harsh winter spell, Medical Superintendents of JLNM, CD Hospital, and SMHS were directed to ensure heating arrangements and adequate medicine stocks remain optimal for patient comfort.
Key Highlights
| Metric | Status |
| AVV Cards Issued | 12,000+ (Citizens aged 70+) |
| Benefit Value | ₹5 Lakh additional coverage per year |
| Primary Goal | 100% ABHA ID Saturation |
| Key Focus | Geriatric Care & TB Elimination |
FAQ Section
A: Every Indian citizen aged 70 years and above is eligible, irrespective of their income or economic status. This provides a distinct health cover of ₹5 lakh, separate from the family’s general Ayushman cover.
A: You can apply at your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC/Khidmat Centre) or visit the Block Medical Officer’s office. You only need your Aadhaar card for age verification.
A: An ABHA ID creates a digital health history for you. It allows doctors to access your past prescriptions, lab reports, and diagnoses digitally (with your consent), making treatment faster and more accurate.
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