Karnataka MLC Condemns State Government Over Failed Health Insurance Scheme for Elderly
Mangaluru: In a scathing critique during the legislative council's zero hour on Tuesday, MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur raised serious concerns about the dismal implementation of the central government's ambitious 'Ayushman Vayo Vandana' health insurance scheme for citizens above 70 years. The scheme, designed to provide crucial healthcare support to vulnerable senior citizens, has reportedly failed on the ground due to state government negligence.
Scheme Approval Versus Ground Reality
The central government expanded the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to offer free health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for all citizens aged above 70 under the 'Vayo Vandana' initiative. Following this, the Karnataka state cabinet approved the implementation of this vital scheme in September 2025, with the health department issuing all necessary administrative orders.
However, despite these formal approvals, the scheme has not been effectively implemented in practice. According to MLC Puttur, this failure has rendered lakhs of issued insurance cards practically useless, leaving elderly citizens in a precarious position.
Statistical Evidence of Failure
Official data reveals that 2,16,265 senior citizens across Karnataka have been issued cards under the Ayushman Vayo Vandana scheme. Tragically, these cards are not being accepted by hospitals, forcing vulnerable elderly individuals to run from one medical facility to another in desperate search of treatment.
"Due to non-implementation, these cards have become completely ineffective," stated MLC Puttur, highlighting the bureaucratic failure that has directly impacted healthcare access for thousands.
Fundamental Responsibility Toward Senior Citizens
The MLC emphasized that ensuring the welfare and social security of senior citizens—who belong to one of society's most vulnerable sections—represents a fundamental government responsibility. He articulated that the cultural strength of any society is reflected in how it treats its elderly population.
"For senior citizens in the twilight of their lives, schemes like 'Ayushman Vayo Vandana' are crucial to ensure dignity, security, and access to healthcare," Puttur asserted during his legislative address.
Urgent Call for Immediate Action
Concluding his powerful intervention, MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur strongly urged the Karnataka state government to stop further delays and immediately implement the Ayushman Vayo Vandana scheme in its full spirit. The appeal underscores the critical need for functional healthcare infrastructure that actually serves those it was designed to protect.
The situation highlights a significant gap between policy formulation and practical execution, with real consequences for Karnataka's elderly population who depend on such schemes for their medical needs and overall wellbeing.
