“Revolutionary step”: PM Modi as Delhi adopts Ayushman Bharat scheme

The Delhi Government has started the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and has also implemented the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in the national capital.

This comes after years of resistance from the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which had opposed the scheme citing limitations and strict eligibility criteria.

A 'revolutionary step': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) a 'revolutionary step' related to Delhi's health sector. Taking to social media, X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "A revolutionary step related to Delhi's health sector! This mission of the double-engine government is going to be extremely beneficial for lakhs of my brothers and sisters here. I am very happy that Delhiites will now also be able to get their treatment under the Ayushman Yojana."

'Historical chapter': CM Rekha Gupta

Earlier, announcing the decision, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had written in a social media post, "Today a historical chapter has been added to the health sector of Delhi. Realising the resolve of 'Healthy India, Strong India' under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the Delhi Government has implemented the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and started the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)."

Delhi joins Ayushman Bharat scheme

Delhi became the 35th State and Union Territory to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) after the National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delhi government on April 5.

This government-backed health insurance scheme provides financial protection to economically weaker sections, covering hospitalisation costs up to Rs 5 lakhs per family annually.Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23rd September 2018, mainly for the millions of poor and vulnerable families across the country.

In just five years, it enabled them with timely access and quality healthcare without burdening them with catastrophic health expenditure during medical emergencies.

(Inputs from ANI)