Ayushman Bharat Scheme Launches in Delhi; CM Rekha Gupta Allocates ₹2,144 Crore
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Synopsis
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta declared the Ayushman Bharat scheme's implementation in Delhi, allocating ₹2,144 crore for this initiative, which aims to provide extensive health coverage to vulnerable populations.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi.
- ₹2,144 crore allocated for the scheme.
- Additional ₹10 lakh coverage for health insurance.
- 35th state to adopt AB-PMJAY.
- Focus on senior citizens with separate cover.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the national capital, allocating ₹2,144 crore for this key initiative.
"The start of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana was declared in the very first cabinet meeting," Gupta stated during her inaugural budget presentation.
The introduction of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi is a significant election promise made by the BJP government, which regained power after 26 years, following the previous government led by the Aam Aadmi Party opting out.
“The Delhi government has chosen to offer an additional ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage, supplementing the existing ₹5 lakh from the Government of India," Gupta noted.
With this, Delhi becomes the 35th state or Union Territory to implement AB-PMJAY, recognized as the world's largest publicly funded health insurance program.
Launched in 2018, the scheme is designed to provide health coverage for 55 crore individuals, targeting 12.34 crore underprivileged families, thus covering the bottom 40 percent of India's population.
In October 2024, the AB PM-JAY was also expanded to include senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their financial status.
This initiative aims to grant the elderly free healthcare benefits, in addition to the existing AB PM-JAY family scheme. Under this new provision, seniors will receive a separate coverage of ₹5 lakh annually.
Meanwhile, CM Gupta labeled the Budget 2025-26 as a landmark moment, announcing a record ₹1 lakh crore budget—the largest ever for the national capital.
"This marks a historic occasion, as this is not merely a Budget. The residents of Delhi and the nation are eager to see how the government, elected by a historic mandate, will unveil its first Budget," she remarked.
"This Budget transcends mere government spending; it aims to transform the city’s prospects and set it on the course of Viksit Delhi. It is focused on making Delhi a Sangam of glorious history and a bright future," she added.
