Ayushman Card To Be Issued To Every Needy, CM Yogi Directs Officials: How UP Residents Can Apply

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, issued a directive to officials that no deserving or needy person should be left without an Ayushman card. Recently, during a ‘Janata Darshan’ programme held at the Gorakhnath temple, the CM reassured the public that the state government will provide medical care to every needy person in the state.  

The CM stated, “Get the estimate prepared and take care of the patient. Leave the concern for treatment to the government,” as per PTI, and clarified that while Ayushman cards are the tool to secure medical care, the government would extend full support, and if additional assistance is required beyond the card’s limit, support can be provided through the Discretionary Fund.

Recently, the deputy chief minister of the state, Brijesh Pathak, also announced a special campaign for healthcare enrollment. This special campaign is running from May 15 to August 14, 2026. In a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he posted, “I appeal to all the esteemed people of Uttar Pradesh that a special campaign is being run to make Ayushman cards from May 15 to August 14, 2026. All eligible individuals can go to their nearest health camp and get the card made. The card is valid for all elderly persons above 70 years of age."

He urged all the eligible citizens to visit the centre and get their cards made.

He wrote, "My personal request to you is that by going to the camp and getting the card made, please avail the benefits of this scheme of social health security and free treatment up to five lakh rupees operated by the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.”

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

The Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched in 2018 only for those belonging to the weaker economic section. Later in October 2024, it was extended to all resident Indian citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme offers Rs 5 lakh health insurance per year to the beneficiaries and covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation expenses.

Ayushman Card is issued to all eligible beneficiaries, which include people from economically weaker sections based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 and other databases.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is issued to senior citizens aged 70 years and above.  

As of December 31, 2025, over 9.67 million Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards had been issued across all states and union territories. As per the National Health Authority (NHA) website, the number of these cards issued as of the date stands at 1.24 million, with a maximum issuance in Uttar Pradesh (2.9 million or 28,93,563).

With the special campaign and push for enrollment under the scheme, this number is likely to go further up. Seniors can submit the necessary documents at the camps to avail of the benefit under the scheme. Notably, there is no waiting period, and the coverage starts from the next day of enrolment.

How To Apply For An Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

One can apply for the card either through the mobile app or the NHA’s official website.

Apply Via Mobile App:

Step 1: Download the official Ayushman app from the Google Play Store

Step 2: Open the app, accept terms, and select the 'Beneficiary' option

Step 3: Enter your mobile number, and verify it via OTP received on the mobile number

Step 4: On the next screen, select the scheme, your state, district or village

Step 5: Complete KYC and authenticate with Aadhaar OTP, or biometrics (fingerprint, IRIS, or face scan)

Apply Via Official Website:

Step 1: Visit the National Health Authority (NHA) website and log in using your mobile number and captcha code

Step 2: Click the tab ‘click here to enrol’ and complete the e-KYC

Step 3: Select the beneficiary option applicable to you, such as CGHS, CAPF, or self-declare

Step 4: Fill in personal details, including address, pin code, and all family members’ details, then click ‘Submit’

Step 5: When the ‘e-KYC is completed’ message appears, the card will be ready for download after 15 minutes

Once done, the card will be issued. One can download it or take a printout.