New Delhi: The Delhi government is going to launch the Ayushman Bharat scheme from April 5, in which priority will be given to the poorest people. Health Minister Pankaj Singh said that by April 10, one lakh people will be included in this scheme, which will improve the health services of the city. Under this scheme, priority will be given to the poorest families of Delhi, especially the families under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
According to the media, Ayushman Bharat Yojana will be implemented rapidly after the MoU is signed. Efforts will be made at the ground level so that the most vulnerable section of the society gets the benefit. He said that this will improve Delhi’s health facilities, improve primary care for patients and strengthen health services. Patient records will be kept digitally, which will make monitoring and management easier. In the first phase, cards will be issued to AAY and priority families, then the scope of distribution will be expanded.
National Digital Health Mission
Poor families get food grains under the AAY scheme. The AAY scheme was started in the year 2000. Under this scheme, the poorest families are provided 35 kg of rice and wheat at subsidized rates (Rs 3 per kg of rice, Rs 2 per kg of wheat). Ayushman Bharat, a central scheme launched under the National Health Policy 2017, was not implemented in Delhi till now. It includes Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Critical Care Block, Integrated Diagnostic Facilities, PMJAY and National Digital Health Mission.
BJP had approved the scheme
The BJP has formed the government in Delhi after 26 years. The scheme was approved in the first cabinet meeting after the swearing-in of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and six ministers on February 20. The health budget has been increased by 48% for the financial year 2025-26. The AAP government had allocated Rs 8,685 crore in 2024-25, while the current government gave Rs 12,893 crore, an increase of Rs 4,208 crore.
Delhi residents will get insurance cover
A large part of this fund will be for central health schemes, especially Ayushman Bharat, which was a major election promise of the BJP. Rs 2,144 crore has been allocated for the scheme, which will provide insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh to Delhiites, of which Rs 7 lakh will be borne by the Delhi government. Rs 1,666.66 crore has been allocated for PM-ABHIM for critical care and diagnostic facilities, while Rs 147.64 crore has been allocated for financial protection under PMJAY. The chief minister also announced Rs 10 crore for the Ayushman Digital Mission, which stands for record modernisation and integrated health data system.