Delhi High Court Directs MoU Between AAP and Central Government for Ayushman Bharat Implementation

New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has directed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the city along with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by January 5, 2025, to ensure the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital.

A bench led by Justice Prathiba M. Singh emphasized that the scheme must be executed comprehensively to guarantee that the residents of Delhi receive the necessary funding and services available under the PM-ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission).

“The failure to implement the PM-ABHIM scheme in Delhi, while 33 States and Union Territories have already adopted it, is unjustifiable,” stated the Bench, which also includes Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora.

The court clarified that the MoU would be executed regardless of any existing model code of conduct, as the initiative aims to benefit the people of Delhi.

“This MoU shall be executed irrespective of a model code of conduct, as it has been overseen by this court and is intended for the welfare of the citizens of Delhi. The finalized MoU must be submitted to this court on the next hearing date,” the Delhi High Court stated.

Previously, the Delhi High Court noted that the PM-ABHIM scheme was only being piloted for diagnostic labs at the Indira Gandhi Hospital, with discussions ongoing between the Delhi State Health Mission and the National Health Mission's Mission Director regarding the broader implementation of the PM-ABHIM in Delhi.

Recently, another bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan agreed to review a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital.

This PIL sought responses from the city government and its health department following a complaint filed by all seven BJP MPs from Delhi.

The petition, initiated by Harsh Malhotra, a BJP MP from East Delhi, along with six other lawmakers, pointed out that as of October, 33 states and union territories have adopted the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme launched in 2019.

“However, the NCT of Delhi is the sole Union Territory where this vital and beneficial healthcare initiative has not been implemented, leaving underprivileged beneficiaries without essential health coverage,” it noted.

The petition further argued that political differences should not hinder the fundamental welfare of Delhi's residents, urging political leaders and policymakers to collaborate for the sake of the public good, especially on issues impacting health, safety, and quality of life.

“When political struggles overshadow the public's needs, it undermines the essence of democracy and governance, which is meant to serve the citizens' best interests,” the PIL asserted.

In November of this year, the Supreme Court agreed to review a public interest litigation (PIL) requesting the inclusion of ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy within the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

A bench chaired by CJI DY Chandrachud (now retired) asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for assistance and scheduled further hearing of the PIL in three weeks.

The plea argued for the inclusion of Indian healthcare systems (ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy) under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The PM-JAY was introduced by the Union government to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, following the recommendations of the National Health Policy 2017.

This scheme offers health coverage of Rs 5 lakh and serves over 12 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) across the nation.