New Delhi: Delhi residents may soon receive health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh per family, as the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government prepares to implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the national capital. This move marks a major policy shift from the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which had refused to adopt the central scheme for a decade.
Delhi to Join Ayushman Bharat with ₹5 Lakh Top-Up
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the Delhi government will integrate AB-PMJAY, offering an additional ₹5 lakh top-up to the Centre’s existing ₹5 lakh coverage, taking the total insurance amount to ₹10 lakh per family. This expanded coverage is expected to provide better healthcare access and financial relief to Delhi’s lower-income groups.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Delhi government and the National Health Authority (NHA) is currently being finalized and is expected to be signed soon.
MoU Expected Soon, Scheme Rollout Underway
Speaking at a media briefing, V. Kiran Gopal, Joint Secretary at the NHA, said, “The implementation framework is being worked out, and we expect to sign the MoU within a week. Once finalized, the state government will create a beneficiary database, followed by hospital empanelment and distribution of health cards.”
Delhi is expected to have around 6.5 lakh beneficiaries, covering the bottom 40% of the population. Currently, 66 hospitals, including both government and private facilities, are empanelled under the scheme. With its official launch in Delhi, more hospitals are expected to join, offering beneficiaries a wider network for cashless treatment.
Possible Merger with Delhi Arogya Kosh, Mohalla Clinics to be Renamed
Sources indicate that the Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme may be merged with AB-PMJAY to streamline healthcare benefits. Additionally, there are discussions to rename Mohalla Clinics as “Aarogya Mandirs,” aligning with the Ayushman Bharat vision.
“The preparatory note for Ayushman Bharat’s rollout in Delhi is ready and will be sent to the Cabinet soon. Some modifications, including merging Delhi’s existing health schemes, are being considered,” an official familiar with the matter said.
High-Level Meeting on Healthcare Overhaul
On February 17, a high-level meeting was held at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the implementation of multiple health initiatives, including:
- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Mohalla Clinics)
- Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
What This Means for Delhi Residents
With Delhi now set to join Ayushman Bharat, residents can expect better access to healthcare and higher financial security for medical expenses. The increase in insurance coverage to ₹10 lakh per family will significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure affordable medical treatment.
The official launch date is yet to be announced, but with the MoU in its final stages, the scheme is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
