Bhubaneswar, Aug 16 (UNI) The Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana (AVVY), which provides cashless treatment up to Rs.5 lakh per family for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their economic status, is rapidly gaining popularity in Odisha.
According to official sources, the scheme has brought smiles to thousands of elderly people and their families, proving to be a true boon and savior.
In just the last four months, more than 9,700 senior citizens have received free treatment in private hospitals under the scheme. So far, over 5.63 lakh beneficiaries have been registered through the online platform.
One such beneficiary is Sasmita Sahoo, a resident of Rangamatia village under Mancheswar police station in Bhubaneswar, who expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for launching this life-saving scheme.
Sasmita, hailing from a lower-income family, was able to save her 72-year-old father, Shyam Sundar Sahoo, using the AVVY card.
On August 12, Shyama Sundar suddenly suffered severe chest pain. At that critical moment, the AVVY card gave the family hope. With no money in hand, they rushed him to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where doctors diagnosed him with coronary artery blockage.

He underwent a successful angiogram and stent implantation—completely free of cost—thanks to
his recent AVVY enrollment, facilitated by local Health and Family Welfare Department officials.
“Due to the AVVY scheme, we were able to save our father’s life,” said a grateful Sasmita.
Officials noted that Shyam Sundar is just one among many elderly citizens in Odisha who have benefitted from AVVY since its rollout on April 12, 2025.
UNI DP BM