Ayushman Bharat scheme set to be implemented in Delhi

The Delhi Government and the Union Health Ministry will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 18 to implement the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in the national capital, official sources said on Thursday.

PM-ABHIM, a Centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) with some Central sector components, has a total outlay of Rs 64,180 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to introduce systemic health reforms, integrating and strengthening healthcare services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. It also focuses on pandemic preparedness and disaster response.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in her first Cabinet meeting, approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up.

Fulfilling a key promise from the BJP’s election manifesto, the scheme will provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat, while the Delhi Government will offer an additional Rs 5 lakh to low-income households, effectively increasing coverage to Rs 10 lakh per family.

Additionally, the manifesto outlines free OPD and diagnostic services for senior citizens aged 70 and above, along with free treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh.

With the MoU set to be signed on March 18, the initiative marks a significant step towards expanding healthcare access and financial protection for Delhi’s residents.