Delhi Moves Closer to Implementing Ayushman Bharat Scheme Amid Court Pressure

The Delhi government, under Chief Minister Atishi, has directed its health department to explore mechanisms for adopting the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) without affecting its current free healthcare services. This development comes a day after the Delhi High Court expressed its dismay over the government’s reluctance to implement the scheme. Delhi and West Bengal remain the only states/Union Territories yet to adopt the scheme, while Odisha is in the process of doing so.

Key Features and Concerns About Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was recently expanded to include universal coverage for all individuals aged over 70. However, Chief Minister Atishi highlighted contradictions in the implementation of the scheme alongside Delhi’s existing healthcare policies. The Delhi government’s healthcare system already provides comprehensive free medical facilities, including consultations, medicines, surgeries, hospital stays, and post-surgical care at no cost to patients. These benefits extend to all residents without exception, unlike Ayushman Bharat, which targets specific socioeconomic categories such as rag pickers, cobblers, and other identified groups. Additionally, individuals owning a refrigerator, two-wheeler, or a permanent house are excluded from the scheme’s benefits.

Court Observations and Political Reactions

The High Court’s observations were made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by seven BJP MPs from Delhi, including Bansuri Swaraj. The petitioners sought court intervention to mandate the adoption of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, claiming that the government’s decision to withhold implementation was arbitrary.

The BJP has also made the exclusion of Ayushman Bharat a key issue in its election campaign, promising to implement the scheme immediately if voted into power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently criticized Delhi and West Bengal for political motivations that he said prevented senior citizens from accessing the scheme’s benefits.

Limitations and Comparative Analysis

Atishi questioned the adequacy of the ₹5 lakh insurance cap under Ayushman Bharat. She pointed out that in cases where medical expenses exceed ₹5 lakh, families would be forced to pay out of pocket. “Delhi’s hospitals, in contrast, provide unlimited free treatment regardless of the cost, whether it is ₹5 lakh, ₹10 lakh, or even ₹50 lakh,” she added.

Additionally, under Delhi’s existing schemes, patients experiencing long wait times for surgeries or tests can receive treatment at private hospitals and laboratories, with the government covering the expenses. Accident victims are also treated for free at private hospitals. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, over 2.42 lakh people accessed free diagnostic tests, 7,036 received surgeries at private hospitals, and 7,314 accident victims were treated free of cost under these initiatives.

Next Steps

While the High Court has issued notices to the Delhi government and its health department regarding the PIL, Atishi’s remarks signal a willingness to explore options for implementing Ayushman Bharat without disrupting the state’s existing healthcare benefits. This marks the first significant shift in the government’s stance on the matter.

With the health department tasked with finding a resolution, the coming months may see new policies aimed at balancing the benefits of both schemes. However, the question remains whether a compromise can satisfy both the Centre’s vision and Delhi’s existing healthcare framework.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)