Ayushman Bharat Set for Full Rollout in Delhi from Tomorrow; EHR Push, Aarogya Mandirs to Replace Defunct Mohalla Clinics

The National Health Authority (NHA) will sign an MoU with the Delhi government on Saturday to formally implement PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) across the Union Territory.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest public health insurance program, is all set to roll out in full force in Delhi starting tomorrow, marking a significant shift in the capital's healthcare policy under the newly elected BJP-led NDA government. 

The National Health Authority (NHA) will sign an MoU with the Delhi government on Saturday to formally implement PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) across the Union Territory.

More than 6.5 lakh families listed in the SECC 2011 database are expected to be covered immediately under the scheme. 

Health Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the first 1 lakh health cards will be issued to the "poorest of the poor" by April 10, with the initial focus on Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries and other priority households.

"The Ayushman Bharat scheme must be implemented swiftly after the MoU is signed. Efforts will be made at the ground level to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of society benefit," Singh stated.

This rollout marks the first major healthcare reform under the new administration led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and is being seen as a sharp departure from the previous AAP government's approach.

Reportedly, many Mohalla Clinics existed only on paper, prompting criticism and a loss of public trust. 

In response, the new government is replacing these clinics with Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, which promise digitized, accessible, and accountable primary healthcare.

Under PMJAY, families will receive INR 5 lakh annual health cover, with no restrictions on pre-existing conditions or waiting periods.

Notably, the BJP government has promised a top-up of INR 5 lakh from state funds, taking the total coverage to INR 10 lakh per family, plus an additional INR 5 lakh for any member above 70 years of age.

"So, this entire health coverage in Delhi will be ₹5 lakh + ₹5 lakh, and an additional ₹5 lakh in case there is an elderly person aged 70 years and above in a family," said a Delhi government official.

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Launched under the National Health Policy 2017, Ayushman Bharat integrates components like Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, critical care blocks, integrated diagnostics, and the National Digital Health Mission, with all records to be digitized into Electronic Health Records (EHRs).

"The health infrastructure in Delhi will improve significantly. Patients will benefit from better access to primary care, and the digitisation of patient records will ensure efficient monitoring and management," Singh said.

In its maiden budget, the Delhi NDA government has raised the health allocation to INR 12,893 Cr, a jump from INR 8,685 Cr under the AAP government. Of this, INR 1,666 Cr has been allocated under PM-ABHIM to enhance critical care and diagnostics and INR 147 Cr to support PMJAY. Another INR 10 Cr has been set aside for the Ayushman Digital Mission, aimed at building an integrated health information system.

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