Launch of Ayushman Health Scheme in Delhi; CM Rekha Gupta Critiques Prior Administration for Delays
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 5, the Delhi government launched the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, offering Rs 10-lakh health insurance. CM Rekha Gupta criticized previous administrations for delaying its implementation, denying essential health benefits to residents.
Key Takeaways
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme launched in Delhi.
- Health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh.
- 2.35 lakh families to receive beneficiary cards.
- 1 lakh beneficiaries targeted for enrollment within a month.
- Insurance covers 1,961 medical conditions.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) The Delhi government officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday to roll out the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which offers health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticized the former city administration for hindering the implementation of this scheme, thus depriving numerous residents of its benefits.
She stated that the first phase would commence on April 10, with the distribution of beneficiary cards for 2.35 lakh families.
During the MoU signing event between the National Health Authority (NHA) and State Health Agency (SHA) regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), CM Gupta remarked, "This scheme, which has the potential to serve as a lifeline for the people of Delhi, was not activated earlier due to the previous government's ego… It faced obstacles even when medical facilities were in dire need, with multiple patients sharing a single bed.”
“Today, I extend my gratitude on behalf of my entire Cabinet, all the Members of Parliament, and the citizens of Delhi to our Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this health scheme to fruition,” she added, fulfilling a significant promise made by the BJP during the Assembly election campaign.
The Delhi government aspires to enroll at least 1 lakh beneficiaries within the first month following the launch on Saturday.
CM Gupta emphasized the hardships faced by Delhi residents due to the lack of coordination between the previous state government and the Central government. “In the face of public suffering, private hospitals frequently denied treatment to patients,” she mentioned, asserting that the new insurance scheme would now allow Delhi residents to seek treatment at their preferred hospitals.
She indicated that the health insurance would encompass 1,961 medical conditions, and beneficiaries will have the right to access services at any of the 30,957 hospitals nationwide.
"With the Central government's initiative, approximately 6.54 lakh families in Delhi will qualify for medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. By adding another Rs 5 lakh from the Delhi government's budget, we aim to provide total health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh," she stated.
At the MoU signing ceremony, an online portal was launched to facilitate applications from Delhi residents using ration cards and Aadhaar cards.
Under this scheme, nearly five lakh Delhiites aged over 70 will have the option for doorstep registration.
Earlier, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, "This is excellent news for Delhi… Millions of underprivileged individuals will now have access to free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh through the Ayushman Yojana. This is a significant and positive advancement."
