Mohalla Clinics rebranded as Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Mohalla Clinics in Delhi are undergoing a significant change. The BJP government plans to transform these clinics into Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs). This decision follows a report that pointed out issues in how the clinics have been running. Residents like Geeta, who relies on her local Mohalla Clinic for treatment, are concerned about the changes. While they hope to maintain good services, there has been a recent decline in patients visiting the clinics. The government plans to convert all 553 current Mohalla Clinics into U-AAMs and set up an additional 1,139 clinics. Health officials say that the rebranding process is already underway. However, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed that around 160 clinics operating from rented spaces will be closed. Doctors at the clinics report being told that emergency services and vaccination facilities will be introduced. This means they would be able to provide first-aid in urgent situations, such as accidents. There are concerns among staff about the integration of Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine. One doctor voiced uncertainty about whether a separate area for Ayurveda would be created within the clinics. The future of Mohalla Clinics remains to be seen as the rebranding continues.