INVC NEWS
New Delhi :In the wake of the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding Ayushman Cards for the elderly, fraudulent schemes have surfaced across various regions. Senior citizens over the age of 70 are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as unscrupulous individuals have started charging exorbitant fees for processing non-existent Ayushman cards. These fraudulent activities have intensified following misleading claims about immediate availability of Ayushman cards and promises of up to five lakh rupees in healthcare coverage without requiring any legitimate documentation.
However, government officials have clarified that the issuance of Ayushman cards is yet to commence. The process will only begin once the official government directives are released. Despite these reassurances, intermediaries and fraudsters continue to exploit the situation, misleading the elderly into paying fees for services that have not yet been made available.
Understanding the Ayushman Card Program
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme is a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial protection in healthcare to economically weaker sections of the society. While the program holds immense potential, it is critical to understand that the official procedure for issuing Ayushman cards must be followed to avoid falling victim to scams.
Government authorities have confirmed that the issuance of Ayushman cards for citizens over 70 years of age has not yet begun. The process requires careful planning, including compiling lists of eligible individuals, verifying documentation, and launching a public awareness campaign. Until these steps are officially completed, any claims of Ayushman card issuance are fraudulent.
Fraudsters Preying on Vulnerable Elderly Citizens
Reports have surfaced from several districts where elderly individuals are being approached by intermediaries who falsely claim to expedite the issuance of Ayushman cards. In many cases, these intermediaries demand anywhere from 200 to 500 rupees under the pretense of completing the application process. This exploitative behavior has alarmed authorities, especially since it targets a particularly vulnerable group of citizens who may not have easy access to accurate information.
The modus operandi of these fraudsters is simple yet effective. They capitalize on the confusion and excitement surrounding the Prime Minister’s recent announcement to convince the elderly that the process for obtaining an Ayushman card is already underway. This fraudulent scheme typically involves promising expedited processing in exchange for a fee, leaving the victims not only out of pocket but also deeply misled.
Government’s Stance: No Ayushman Cards Being Issued Yet
The health department and other relevant authorities have been quick to clarify that the issuance of Ayushman cards for individuals above 70 years of age has not yet begun. Any such activities, including the collection of fees for card processing, are illegal and should be reported immediately.
The government has emphasized that once the official process for Ayushman cards begins, it will be accompanied by clear guidelines and a comprehensive awareness campaign. These efforts will ensure that all eligible individuals, especially the elderly, can access the program free of charge and without the involvement of intermediaries.
Warning from Government Officials: Avoid Falling for Scams
To prevent further exploitation of senior citizens, government officials have issued a public appeal urging people not to engage with any intermediaries or third parties claiming to provide Ayushman cards. Citizens are encouraged to wait for the official announcement regarding the commencement of the card issuance process.
Government representatives have also promised that the application and verification procedures will be transparent and simple, requiring no middlemen or additional fees. Authorities will announce the official process publicly, ensuring that no individual is left in the dark about how and when they can apply for their Ayushman card.
