Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh announced that registrations for the Ayushman Bharat scheme will commence after March 8, marking a major step in expanding healthcare access in the national capital. The Delhi government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre, with expectations of significant improvements in the city’s healthcare system within 100 days.
Strengthening Healthcare Access in Delhi
To enhance hospital transparency and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quota allotments, two nodal officers have been appointed. Singh assured that no government hospital in Delhi will face medicine shortages, addressing a key concern in public healthcare facilities.
The minister criticized the previous administration, alleging that nearly 2,500 mohalla clinics only existed on paper, with rental funds being misused. As a result, he ordered the closure of these non-functional clinics to curb corruption.
Focus on Institutional Deliveries and Mother-Child Healthcare
With 20% of childbirths in Delhi occurring outside hospitals, Singh emphasized the need to encourage institutional deliveries to improve maternal and infant healthcare. Plans include establishing ‘jachha-bachha kendras’ (mother and child care centers), which have been absent in the city for over a decade.
New Mobile Dental Vans for Underserved Areas
To extend healthcare services to Delhi’s outskirts, the government will deploy mobile dental vans.
- In the first phase, 10 mobile units will be operational.
- Further expansion of the initiative is planned across the city.
Government Hospitals to Undergo Comprehensive Audit
A comprehensive audit of all government hospitals and ongoing healthcare projects in Delhi has been ordered. Singh directed that every government hospital should have a dedicated medical director or superintendent, ensuring that no official holds multiple responsibilities across multiple hospitals.
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He also stressed the need for government hospitals to match or surpass private healthcare standards, stating:
“Our government hospitals should be at par with private ones.”
A New Era for Delhi’s Public Healthcare System
With the Ayushman Bharat registration launch, institutional delivery focus, and hospital reforms, the Delhi government aims to revolutionize its healthcare infrastructure. These efforts will enhance transparency, improve service quality, and ensure accessible healthcare for all residents.