Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Thursday, 28 May firmly rejected media reports and speculative claims alleging financial irregularities in the development of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across Delhi, asserting that all expenditures have been carried out strictly within the Centre's approved norms. The minister's rebuttal comes as scrutiny over the capital's primary healthcare infrastructure spending has intensified.

What the Minister Said

Singh stated that the development and operationalisation of the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was executed in full compliance with financial norms, technical guidelines, and the approved funding framework prescribed by the Government of India. He categorically dismissed suggestions that existing health facilities were merely given cosmetic upgrades or that spending exceeded sanctioned limits as 'factually incorrect.'

'It is clarified that the development and operationalisation of these centres has been carried out strictly in accordance with the financial norms, technical guidelines and approved funding framework prescribed by the Government of India,' Singh said.

Approved Funding Framework

Under the Union government's fixed allocation model for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, each centre has been allocated ₹25 lakh for infrastructure upgradation and ₹1 lakh for furniture, fixtures, and essential functional requirements. The minister asserted that all works were executed within these sanctioned parameters, aimed at improving service delivery, patient experience, diagnostic readiness, and primary healthcare infrastructure.

Scale of Operationalisation in FY 2025-26

During Financial Year 2025-26, a total of 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were operationalised across Delhi under centrally sponsored healthcare schemes. Of these, 244 centres were set up under PM-ABHIM (Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) and 126 centres under NHM (National Health Mission).

Funds Released

Singh clarified that financial releases remain fully aligned with approved scheme provisions and utilisation norms. Actual funds released to date stand at ₹58.30 crore under PM-ABHIM and ₹8.50 crore under NHM, bringing the total funds released to ₹66.80 crore. The minister maintained that every rupee spent is accounted for within the sanctioned framework.

What This Means for Delhi's Healthcare

The operationalisation of 370 centres in a single financial year represents a significant expansion of Delhi's primary care network under centrally sponsored schemes. Notably, this push aligns with the broader national agenda of strengthening preventive and accessible healthcare at the grassroots level. Whether the infrastructure investments translate into measurable improvements in patient outcomes will be the next benchmark to watch.