Bidhuri and Bansuri Swaraj Applaud Delhi HC's Instruction for AAP Government on Ayushman Bharat Implementation

New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Delhi BJP MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Bansuri Swaraj on Friday expressed their approval of the Delhi High Court’s instruction to the AAP government to ensure that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Health Department and the Union Government’s Health Ministry is executed by January 5, 2025, for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, despite the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

Bidhuri informed IANS that "regardless of the commitments made by Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy, the scheme has yet to see implementation in the city."

He added, "The Narendra Modi government has allocated around Rs 2,400 crore for this initiative, ensuring that if someone falls ill, they can access benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh for medical expenses, which will also enhance the condition of hospitals."

“Kejriwal has blocked this scheme's implementation in Delhi out of fear that it might boost PM Modi's popularity,” he mentioned.

“Once the MoU is finalized, senior citizens, regardless of their financial status, will be able to register on the portal initiated by the Central government,” he noted.

He also pointed out that the way is now clear for the establishment of hospitals, laboratories, and other facilities under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating Rs 2,406 crore under the scheme aimed at enhancing health infrastructure in Delhi.

Bansuri Swaraj stated to IANS that the AAP government has hindered the rollout of central-funded initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which consists of two components: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

"Ayushman Bharat is a comprehensive initiative encompassing two facets. One aspect is the Prime Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana, providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually for beneficiaries, including free treatment for all citizens over 70 years old. The second aspect is PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, through which PM Modi allocated Rs 2,406.77 crore for the Delhi government to enhance health infrastructure, including hospitals."

She highlighted that under the PM-ABHIM scheme, Delhi was expected to establish 1,139 Urban Health and Wellness Centres, 11 District Integrated Public Health Labs, 9 Critical Care Blocks, and a 950-bed Critical Care Block. Regrettably, the MoU remains unsigned due to Kejriwal’s reluctance to prioritize the development of Delhi, she asserted.

Bidhuri and Bansuri Swaraj expressed confidence that the BJP will soon take charge in Delhi and ensure that residents benefit fully from Central schemes.