- Delhi to sign an MoU with the National Health Authority on March 18 to implement AB-PMJAY.
- The scheme offers Rs 5 lakh per family for hospital care, benefiting millions.
- West Bengal remains the only state yet to adopt the flagship healthcare program.
Delhi’s adoption of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) marks a major shift in the city’s healthcare landscape. With the BJP back in power, this initiative aligns with its election commitment to ensure cashless medical treatment for citizens.
The expansion of AB-PMJAY in October 2024 to include all senior citizens above 70 was a crucial step in strengthening healthcare accessibility.
Delhi Implements Ayushman Bharat: Game Changer for Healthcare Accessibility
The AB-PMJAY scheme has already transformed healthcare in many states by offering cashless treatment to millions. By integrating Delhi into the system, more families will have access to quality healthcare without financial burden. The move is particularly significant given the capital’s high cost of medical treatment.
Apart from covering serious medical conditions like cancer, cardiac surgeries, and joint replacements, the scheme also ensures treatment at empanelled private hospitals. This broadens healthcare options for beneficiaries, who can seek specialized care beyond government hospitals.
The political implications of this decision are noteworthy. With the BJP’s recent landslide victory in Delhi, fulfilling this campaign promise solidifies the party’s commitment to healthcare reform. It also sets the stage for potential political debates in West Bengal, which remains the last holdout against the scheme.
Public response to the implementation will be closely watched, as it determines the effectiveness of integrating Delhi’s existing health infrastructure with AB-PMJAY. The success of this rollout may influence future expansions or modifications to the scheme at a national level.
Delhi’s decision to adopt AB-PMJAY is a landmark moment for healthcare access in the capital. Millions will now benefit from cashless treatment, reducing financial strain on vulnerable families and strengthening the country’s universal health coverage goals.
“The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil