Ayushman Bharat Yojana Launched in Delhi: Free Treatment Up to ₹10 Lakh
Delhi has become the 35th state/union territory to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Yojana), offering free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh. ₹2400 crore will be allocated for healthcare infrastructure development. Card distribution begins April 10th.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana Implementation: A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other dignitaries, formally launching the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. This makes Delhi the 35th state or union territory to adopt this health insurance scheme.
Ayushman Yojana Not Implemented in West Bengal
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is currently implemented in 35 states and union territories. West Bengal remains the only state that has not adopted the scheme.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Yojana?
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides free and cashless treatment for 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialties. This includes medications, clinical services, hospitalization, ICU care, surgeries, and other healthcare services. The scheme specifically targets economically weaker sections of society lacking adequate resources for medical treatment.
Eligible Families to Receive Health Coverage Up to ₹10 Lakh
Eligible families in Delhi will receive annual health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh under the Ayushman Yojana. The central government will contribute ₹5 lakh, and the Delhi government will contribute the remaining ₹5 lakh. This will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for Delhi residents, ensuring no financial burden due to medical treatment.
Ayushman Yojana Enrollment Drive Launched
Following the signing of the MoU, the Delhi government announced a special drive to enroll beneficiaries. This drive will facilitate easy enrollment for Delhi residents, with the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards commencing on April 10th. Over 2.6 lakh individuals will be enrolled in the first phase.
Statement by Union Health Minister JP Nadda
Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that "Ayushman Bharat is not just an insurance scheme, but an assurance scheme. Through this scheme, we are committed to providing healthcare services to the people." He also mentioned that previous governments prevented Delhi residents from benefiting from this scheme, but its implementation will now directly benefit the people.
CM Rekha Gupta Targets AAP
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stating that "Conspiracies by previous governments prevented the Ayushman Yojana's implementation in Delhi. Now, Delhi residents will benefit from this scheme and can receive treatment at hospitals of their choice." She added that treatment for 1961 types of illnesses will be available under the scheme in Delhi.
Free Treatment in Over 30,000 Hospitals
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana will provide free treatment in over 30,000 hospitals in Delhi. The scheme will offer free treatment not only in government hospitals but also in private hospitals.
₹2400 Crore for Healthcare Infrastructure
Following the agreement, Delhi will receive ₹2400 crore to improve its healthcare infrastructure. This fund will be used to enhance healthcare services in Delhi and increase hospital capacity. The funds will be utilized for the modernization of various hospitals and health centers.
Important Dates Related to the Scheme
Card distribution under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana will begin in Delhi on April 10th. Over 2.6 lakh people will be enrolled in the first phase. Candidates will need to register online with their Aadhaar card and other essential documents to avail of the health coverage benefits.
