Delhi to implement Ayushman Bharat health scheme soon

The Delhi government plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the central government on April 10. This deal will implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the capital. The aim is to enroll one lakh people in the health cover scheme within a month. This initiative is part of the BJP's promises made during the Delhi Assembly elections held in February. The previous government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had chosen not to implement the AB-PMJAY, instead creating its own health scheme. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh announced this plan during a press conference. He also mentioned plans to close non-functional Mohalla Clinics that operate from rented properties. The government will replace them with new clinics built on government land. Currently, there are about seven Mohalla Clinics in each assembly constituency, and around 160 rental clinics will be shut down due to poor performance. The AB-PMJAY offers health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family each year for secondary and tertiary hospital care. It serves around 55 crore beneficiaries from the bottom 40% of India's population. In October 2024, the scheme expanded to provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually for all senior citizens aged 70 and older, regardless of their economic status.