Kerala has the highest number of diabetic patients in India. According to ICMR data, about 19.4% of Kerala’s population suffers from diabetes — and among senior citizens, that number is even higher.
A glucometer — a device to monitor blood sugar at home — costs anywhere between ₹450 and ₹2,500 in the market. For elderly people from BPL families, buying one and regularly purchasing test strips is a real financial burden.
The Vayomadhuram Scheme (വായോമധുരം പദ്ധതി) by Kerala’s Social Justice Department addresses this directly — by providing free glucometers to elderly diabetic citizens from BPL families across all 14 districts of Kerala.
If you or someone in your family is above 60, diabetic, and from a BPL household — this guide covers everything you need to apply.
💡 Quick Answer: Vayomadhuram Scheme official portal: 👉 sjd.kerala.gov.in Application: Download PDF form from portal OR apply online Target: 1,000 beneficiaries per district across Kerala
What is Vayomadhuram Scheme?
Vayomadhuram (വായോമധുരം) — the name itself combines “Vayo” (elderly/age) and “Madhuram” (sweetness) — a meaningful name for a scheme that addresses the bittersweet reality of diabetes in old age.
The scheme is run by the Social Justice Department (SJD), Government of Kerala (കേരള സർക്കാർ സോഷ്യൽ ജസ്റ്റിസ് വകുപ്പ്).
What you get:
- ✅ 1 Free Glucometer per beneficiary
- ✅ 25 testing strips included in the kit
- ✅ 1 set of lancets for blood sampling
The state cabinet has also approved an expanded version of the scheme that includes glucometer provision to senior citizens across Kerala — not just diabetic patients in select districts.
Target: 1,000 diabetic elderly persons per district = approximately 14,000 beneficiaries statewide per cycle.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
The following criteria must be met to apply for the Vayomadhuram Scheme:
✅ Age: 60 years or above
✅ Residence: Permanent resident of Kerala
✅ Medical condition: Diagnosed with diabetes — medical certificate from a Government or NRHM doctor required
✅ Income category: Must belong to BPL (Below Poverty Line) category
Priority rule: If there are a large number of applicants, priority will be given to older persons.
❌ Not eligible:
- Below 60 years of age
- Non-Kerala residents
- Non-BPL families
- Those who have already received a glucometer under this scheme
Documents Required
Keep these ready before applying:
- 📄 Aadhaar Card — as age proof (must show age 60+)
- 📄 Medical Certificate — from a Government doctor or NRHM doctor certifying diabetes diagnosis
- 📄 BPL proof — any one of:
- BPL Ration Card (self-attested copy)
- BPL Certificate from Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation
- BPL Income Certificate from Village Office
- 📄 Passport size photograph
⚡ Important: The medical certificate must be from a Government hospital doctor or NRHM-empanelled doctor. Private doctor certificates are generally not accepted. Get the certificate from your nearest government hospital or PHC (Primary Health Centre).
How to Apply — Step by Step
Online Application
Step 1: Visit the official portal 👉 sjd.kerala.gov.in
Step 2: On the homepage, find “Schemes” or “Senior Citizen Schemes” section
Step 3: Find “Vayomadhuram Scheme for Providing Glucometer to Senior Citizens” — it appears at number 34 in the list of schemes on the portal
Step 4: Click on the scheme → Go to “Documents” section → Click “Application Forms – Vayomadhuram Scheme”
Step 5: Download the application form PDF
Step 6: Fill in all details accurately — name, age, address, diabetes details, BPL details
Step 7: Attach photocopies of all required documents
Step 8: Submit the completed form to your District Social Justice Office (ജില്ലാ സോഷ്യൽ ജസ്റ്റിസ് ഓഫീസ്)
Offline Application
Prefer offline? Visit your nearest:
- District Social Justice Officer’s office
- Local Panchayat office — they can assist with the form and direct you to the right office
Collect the physical form, fill it, attach documents, and submit directly.
Where to Submit — District Social Justice Offices
Submit your completed application to the District Social Justice Officer of your district.
All 14 districts have offices — find your district office contact at: 👉 sjd.kerala.gov.in → Contact Us → District Offices
What Happens After Applying?
Step 1: Application is received at District Social Justice Office
Step 2: Applications are verified — age, BPL status, and medical certificate checked
Step 3: Selection is made — if applications exceed 1,000 in a district, older applicants get priority
Step 4: Selected beneficiaries are notified — glucometer kit is distributed through the local panchayat or directly through the district office
⚡ Track your application: Contact your District Social Justice Office directly for application status. Keep your application acknowledgment safe.
Kerala’s Other Senior Citizen Schemes — Also from SJD
While applying for Vayomadhuram, check these related Kerala senior citizen schemes at sjd.kerala.gov.in:
| Scheme | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Mandahasam Scheme (മന്ദഹാസം) | Free artificial dentures for senior citizens |
| Varnam Scheme (വർണ്ണം) | Financial assistance for elderly |
| Vayomithram | Mobile health services for senior citizens |
| Snehasparsham | Home care support for bedridden elderly |
All applications at: 👉 sjd.kerala.gov.in
Official Links — All in One Place
| Task | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply / Download Form | sjd.kerala.gov.in |
| Kerala Social Justice Dept | sjd.kerala.gov.in |
| Kerala Government Portal | kerala.gov.in |
| SJD Helpline | 0471-2730953 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vayomadhuram Scheme? Vayomadhuram is a scheme launched by the Department of Social Justice of Government of Kerala to provide free glucometer to aged citizens who are diabetic. Under the scheme, eligible senior citizens living below poverty line are provided with glucometer so that they could keep an eye on their blood sugar level.
What is the age limit for Vayomadhuram Scheme? The applicant must be 60 years of age or above and a permanent resident of Kerala.
Is the glucometer really free? Yes — completely free for eligible BPL diabetic senior citizens. No payment required at any stage.
How many glucometers are distributed per district? The SJD department has set the target of providing glucometers to 1,000 diabetic old age persons in each district.
Can I apply if I have private hospital diabetes certificate? Generally, a Government hospital or NRHM doctor’s certificate is required. Check with your district office if a private hospital certificate is accepted in your case.
Where do I submit the application in Malayalam (അപേക്ഷ എവിടെ സമർപ്പിക്കണം)? Submit at your ജില്ലാ സോഷ്യൽ ജസ്റ്റിസ് ഓഫീസ് (District Social Justice Officer’s office). You can also contact your local Panchayat for guidance.
How do I download the Vayomadhuram Scheme form? Visit sjd.kerala.gov.in → Schemes → Senior Citizen Schemes → Vayomadhuram → Documents → Application Form PDF.
Final Note
Kerala has the most diabetic patients in India. A glucometer at home means daily monitoring — which means earlier detection of dangerous blood sugar levels, fewer hospitalizations, and better quality of life for elderly patients.
For a BPL family, ₹2,500 for a glucometer is a significant expense. Vayomadhuram removes that barrier.
If you know an elderly person in your family or neighbourhood who is diabetic and from a BPL household — share this information with them. Help them download the form or visit the district office.
This guide is based on information from sjd.kerala.gov.in and the official Vayomadhuram Scheme guidelines. Scheme availability and application deadlines may vary by district and year — always verify current status at sjd.kerala.gov.in before applying.