Gujarat: PM Modi To Kickstart Distribution Of PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman Cards Tomorrow

PM Narendra Modi will begin the distribution of the PMJAY-MA card via video conference on Monday, October 16.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the distribution of about 50 lakh Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana - Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) Yojana Ayushman cards in Gujarat on October 17, Monday, at 4 pm via video conferencing.

According to the press release, as the chief minister of Gujarat, Modi started the "Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA)" scheme in 2012 in a bid to help poor families from the burden of medical costs. The MA Yojana was extended to help families with an annual income of Rs 4 lakh, in 2014 and later to several other groups as well. The scheme was rebranded as Mukhyamantri Amrutam Vatsalya (MAV) Yojana. 

"Prime Minister launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana  (AB-PMJAY) in 2018 - the largest health insurance scheme in the world providing coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, for primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitalization without any cap on the family size and age", the press release stated. 

Around 50 lakh colour-printed Ayushman cards will be distributed to all the beneficiaries across Gujarat, according to the press release. 

"During the programme, Prime Minister will kickstart the distribution of these cards, after which printed 50 lakh coloured Ayushman cards will be distributed to all the beneficiaries across Gujarat, at their doorstep, by National Health Authority empanelled agencies after doing e-KYC of beneficiaries".

Gujarat is set to go into election soon, while the date of the Himachal Pradesh election was announced earlier this week, the Gujarat dates will be announced later this month. 

"The Election Commission goes by convention in announcing poll schedules. It has decided to go by the convention which was last followed," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar told reporters when asked about keeping the announcement for Gujarat in abeyance.

Kumar asserted that polls in one state will not affect elections in the other as "there is a gap of 40 days" in the qualifying dates of the state assemblies of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.