Sanjeevani Yojana: Arvind Kejriwal's new scheme that could prove game-changer in Delhi polls - 5 key takeaways

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced Sanjeevani Yojana for senior citizens. (Image: X)

With an eye on the Assembly elections slated to be held in February next year, Aam Aadmi Party's national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has come up with yet another poll promise that could prove to be a game changer in the competitive political landscape. If implemented, the scheme will arguably be one of its kind in terms of the welfare measures announced by state governments or the Centre.

On Wednesday, Kejriwal announced the Sanjeevani scheme which will provide free treatment for people aged above 60 years regardless of their income or the expenditure of their treatment. The scheme , which will be implemented if the party retains power in the national capital, provides for free treatment for senior citizens at all government and private hospitals.

The pre-poll announcement of the new health scheme can be seen as an effort to secure votes and drum up support for AAP which is eyeing a third consecutive term in power in the capital. Kejriwal's announcement also comes after the face-off between the opposition BJP and the ruling AAP over non-implementation of the Centre's Aayushmaan Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

Also Read | Delhi Polls: Arvind Kejriwal announces free healthcare for elderly under Sanjeevani Yojana

Here are the key points to know about the scheme:

•  People aged above 60 years will be eligible for free treatment at any government or private hospital in Delhi, Kejriwal announced on Wednesday. The entire cost of the treatment will be borne by the Delhi government.
• There will no upper limit on the cost of treatment of the senior citizens and no income cap to decide their eligibility. The only eligibility criteria announced so far is the age limit. According to AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, "The Sanjeevani Scheme stands for equality—offering free healthcare to all senior citizens, with no discrimination. Unlike Ayushman Bharat by Modi Ji, which limits access based on economic status, Sanjeevani ensures dignity and care for everyone."
• Registration for the scheme will start in a day or two, according to Kejriwal. The registration will be carried out by AAP workers at people's doorsteps and people will not be required to visit any office for the purpose.
• After registration, the AAP workers will be giving a card to the eligible beneficiaries.
• The scheme, Sanjeevani Yojana, will come into effect if AAP is voted to power again in the national capital.