No insurance, mounting expenses: In Delhi’s Jangpura, why many senior citizens pin hopes on AAP’s free treatment promise

So when Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal came calling on Monday to hand over the ‘Kejriwal Kavach’ card, the couple was relieved. This card guarantees free treatment to all Delhi voters over the age of 60 in government and private hospitals, under the party’s newly launched Sanjeevani Yojana, if the AAP returns to power post the elections.

The Khuranas, whose house was the first one Kejriwal visited, said if the AAP government wins and the city gets to have the scheme, it will take a load off their backs. “We’ve spent so much money on treatment in private hospitals,” said Dileep, who had a small business of repair parts. Now, their sons look after the family and finances.

“Last year, Madhu had to be hospitalised to get insulin which cost Rs 70,000, including the admission charges and tests. She has had diabetes for 20 years now,” he added.

“If the party comes to power, it will be a big help to us,” said Madhu.

Promoting one of the biggest promises ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia kicked off the registration process under the Sanjeevani scheme at Jangpura. Visiting homes around Sunlight Colony along with party workers, they handed over the cards to five-six eligible people.

During his visit, Kejriwal personally informed residents about the scheme, checked their voter ID cards and assisted them with filling out registration forms.

“Registration for the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana has begun today. We started registration for Mahila Samman from the New Delhi constituency. Now, we have commenced registration for the Sanjeevani Yojana in the Jangpura constituency. Here, we registered some senior citizens,” he said.

For Shyamendra Saini, who used to work as a civil draughtsman for 30 years till 2020 when his son secured a job as an architect at a private firm, said if this scheme works, it would be a major benefit for him and his family.

He does not have health insurance and neither does his son. “I had taken insurance but couldn’t pay the premium so the policy lapsed,” the 62-year-old said.

Saini has diabetes and goes for regular checkups at private hospitals near his Jangpura home, where he spends a good amount on tests and consultations. “It costs a minimum of Rs 1,000 per consultation. Tests can range from Rs 1,000-2,500,” he said.

Kishan Lal, a taxi driver, said his experience at the government-run mohalla clinics and dispensaries has not been good — there were no medicines available when he visited. The 63-year-old, who suffers from diabetes, said he goes to Holy Family Hospital for checkups. “I spend around Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 every month — half of my salary — on treatments,” he added.

He didn’t get the card today. But he is hopeful that if he too gets it, and if the Kejriwal government comes to power again, the Sanjeevani Yojana will be of help to him.

Announcing the drive on X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal wrote, “… We registered some elderly people for this scheme today. All the elderly people of Delhi are like my parents, their treatment is my responsibility. Our team will register all the elderly by going door to door.”