Srinagar, Oct 19: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo on Monday visited the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Lal Bazar, and presided over an awareness-cum-registration camp under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

Organised by the Zonal Medical Officer, Zadibal, the camp aimed to ensure wider coverage of eligible elderly residents under the scheme, which provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, over and above the existing cover, to strengthen their healthcare security.

The programme witnessed participation from senior citizens of Lal Bazar, Mandibal, Nowshahra, Botshah Mohalla, Baghwanpora and adjoining areas. Participants were informed about the scheme’s benefits and the registration process.

Addressing the gathering, the DC urged all eligible senior citizens to enrol under the scheme, emphasising that it would help reduce the financial burden of medical treatment and improve access to healthcare.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, wellbeing and better healthcare support for the elderly.

During the programme, Labroo distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards among eligible beneficiaries from Medical Zone Zadibal and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to reaching all eligible senior citizens through registration and awareness drives.

The DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS probationer Aakash Garg, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tahir Sajad, Tehsildar Eidgah Mohammad Iqbal Zargar, ZMO Zadibal Dr Rubeena Aziz, ZMO Srinagar Gunj Dr Shafqat, Medical Superintendent Government Gousia Hospital Dr Zahida Gul and other district officers.

Later, Labroo inspected various sections of UPHC Lal Bazar and reviewed the healthcare facilities, services and arrangements for patients. He took stock of the centre’s functioning and stressed the importance of ensuring quality healthcare delivery to the public.