An assessment camp for senior citizens was inaugurated in Bhavnagar under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Food and Public distribution, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, as part of the National Vayoshree Yojana, a visionary initiative launched under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya urged all senior citizens to take maximum benefit of the assessment camp and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for elderly citizens through welfare schemes like the Vayoshree Yojana. She informed that, in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a series of assessment camps are being organized in Bhavnagar city and various talukas from June 30 to July 15, 2025.

As part of the program, a special camp is being held from June 30 to July 3 at Sir T. General Hospital for senior citizens aged 60 years or above from Bhavnagar City, East, West, and Rural areas. In this camp, free registration and assessment are being conducted for 15 types of assistive devices, including walking sticks, crutches, walkers, hearing aids, artificial dentures, wheelchairs, gel foam cushions, knee braces, foot care kits, LS belts, cervical collars, walking sticks with seats, and folding commode chairs. These facilities are being provided free of cost to eligible senior citizens who possess an Aadhaar card and income proof showing monthly income of ₹15,000 or less.

Following the city-level camp, similar assessment camps will be held in other talukas to ensure outreach across the district. On July 4, the camp will take place at the Community Center in Ghogha Taluka, followed by the Community Health Center in Shihor Taluka on July 5. The assessment camp will be organized at Vallabhipur Taluka’s Community Health Center on July 7, and at Umrala Taluka’s Community Health Center on July 8. Subsequently, the camp will be held in Talaja Taluka on July 9 and in Mahuva Taluka on July 10. The assessment will continue in Jesar Taluka on July 11, then in Gariyadhar Taluka on July 14, and finally in Palitana Taluka on July 15.

In addition to the medical assessments, beneficiaries will also be provided with application forms for various welfare schemes including the Old Age Pension Scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, and the Ayushman Bharat health card. Support will also be provided for filing income tax returns where applicable.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Mayor Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Standing Committee Chairman Shri Rajubhai Rabdia, Deputy Mayor Smt. Monaben Parekh, Municipal Commissioner Shri N. K. Meena, Superintendent of Police Dr. Harshad Patel, Resident Additional Collector Shri N. D. Govani, Shri Kumarbhai Shah, Social Security Officer Shri S. G. Chaudhary, along with elected representatives, corporators, and the dedicated staff of Sir T. Hospital.

AP/IJ/GP/JD

(Release ID: 2140802)