Access to timely healthcare makes a life-changing difference, particularly for workers facing economic hardship.

The journey of Mohan Lal (name changed), a 65-year-old waste picker from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, highlights how social protection and healthcare support can help vulnerable workers overcome serious medical challenges and move towards a healthier life.

Coming from a financially disadvantaged family, Mohan Lal spent most of his life working as a contractual sanitation worker and waste picker, earning between Rs 101 and Rs 250 per day. His modest income was barely sufficient to meet his family’s basic needs, leaving little scope for savings or unexpected expenses. When he was diagnosed with a serious heart blockage requiring specialised treatment, the high cost of medical care became a major concern for him and his family.

Enrolled under the Waste Pickers component of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, Mohan Lal received an Ayushman Card under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This support enabled him to access treatment for his heart blockage at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on 8 May 2026, with the full cost of his medical treatment covered.

Following successful treatment, Mohan Lal recovered and was able to return to work and resume supporting his family. Access to healthcare eased the financial burden associated with his medical emergency and helped him focus on recovery. The timely intervention also restored his confidence and provided renewed hope for the future.

Mohan Lal’s journey demonstrates the importance of accessible healthcare and social protection for waste pickers and other vulnerable workers. His recovery reflects how welfare initiatives can help reduce barriers to essential medical treatment, safeguard dignity and strengthen family well-being. His story stands as an encouraging example of how timely support can help individuals move beyond difficult circumstances and look towards the future with renewed confidence.

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SS-149-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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