Delhi govt in action to implement Ayushman Bharat, location-hunt begins for Arogya Mandir

Days after inking pact with the Union health ministry to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday discussed the implementation of the scheme in the city with MLAs and party leaders and directed all legislators to help eligible residents in their constituencies get their health cards made.

“We conducted the meeting to ensure that Ayushman Bharat cards for all Delhi residents are made at the earliest,” she said, adding that work has begun to identify locations for setting up ‘Arogya Mandirs’ across the city.

The chief minister said, “We have set a target to identify 1,139 locations. The Delhi government will start working on this from today itself”. She added that Ayushman Bharat, which has finally been extended to Delhi after a long wait, must now reach the citizens without any further delay.

“The meeting today was to assign specific responsibilities to all MLAs to help eligible residents in their constituencies get their health cards made,” she said.

Ms Gupta said special focus will be given to senior citizens above the age of 70, ensuring they receive timely and accessible healthcare support.

A source, meanwhile, said government is planning two types of Arogya Mandir for the city. While small-scale Arogya Mandir will be set up for every 15 thousands of population, large-scale Mandir will be established on every fifty thousands of population. The source said these Mandirs will better be equipped with all modern facilities than the Mohalla Clinics.

“Not only OPD services, but Arogya Mandirs will be equipped with medicines and tests along with OPD services. While 15 types of tests and all medicines will be available in small Arogya Mandirs, the large on will offer total 50 types of tests which will be set up on every fifty thousands of population”, said the source. Arogya Mandir will run from 10 am to 7 pm.