CM Gupta Alters AAP Government's Position, Agrees to MoU with Centre for Health Centres
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Synopsis
The <b>Rekha Gupta administration</b> in Delhi is reversing the AAP government's previous opposition and is preparing to sign a MoU with the Centre for the <b>PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission</b>, indicating a commitment to improve health services across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Rekha Gupta administration signs MoU with the Centre.
- Reversal of previous AAP government's stance.
- Implementation of PM-ABHIM scheme.
- Plans for 1,139 urban health centres.
- Goal to enroll 100,000 beneficiaries in a month.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Rekha Gupta administration in Delhi is set to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for the execution of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), marking a significant shift from the earlier AAP government's stance against the initiative, as indicated by an official on Friday.
A clear indication of Chief Minister Gupta reversing the former AAP administration's position was seen on Friday, as the Delhi government retracted a petition from the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court ruling that mandated the government to collaborate with the Centre for the ABHIM initiative.
A Bench consisting of Justices B.R. Gavai and P.K. Mishra permitted the withdrawal of the petition on Friday after Delhi government's counsel Advocate Jyoti Mendiratta stated, "We are proceeding with the implementation of the scheme".
The High Court's instruction to the Delhi government in January stemmed from a 2017 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) asserting that the failure to implement the ABHIM scheme in Delhi was unwarranted, especially as it was benefiting residents across 33 states and union territories.
The High Court had directed the AAP government to roll out the ABHIM scheme on a pilot basis, with plans for subsequent expansion.
The Rekha Gupta administration's decision to work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government aligns with the ruling BJP's electoral pledge to enhance health services in the capital.
A demonstration of the Chief Minister's commitment to improving health services was evident in her inaugural Cabinet meeting, where she introduced a plan to activate 1,139 urban public health centres or Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs) under the ABHIM scheme, backed by an allocation of Rs 2,406 crore from the Centre.
To emphasize the BJP-led Delhi government's vision and dedication to enhancing health services, the Health Department has been directed by the CM to establish 11 new model U-AAMs – one in each district – within 30 days, overseen by the District Magistrates.
Furthermore, an additional 413 Urban Health Centres are set to be constructed to complement the existing 553 Mohalla Clinics, which will also be upgraded to U-AAMs, as per a report prepared by the Health Secretary for the Cabinet's review.
The Rekha Gupta administration also intends to broaden the reach of health schemes in gated communities and affluent areas by increasing the number of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and enrolling 100,000 Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries within a month.
