On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Rekha Gupta government in Delhi launched a significant and commendable initiative to strengthen healthcare services. A total of 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayushman Health Temples) were inaugurated across various areas of the capital.
Ayushman Arogya Mandir: A new chapter in healthcare services began today in Delhi. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh, 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were inaugurated simultaneously. This initiative is not only a crucial step towards strengthening primary healthcare services in Delhi but also has the potential to emerge as a national health model in the future.
These new health centers have been developed by modifying old dispensaries and vacant government buildings in Delhi. In several locations, marriage halls (barat ghar) have been transformed into state-of-the-art medical facilities and named 'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs'. The goal of these temples is to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare in every neighborhood.
Arogya Mandir: A Glimpse
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated Arogya Mandirs in Shalimar Bagh and Tis Hazari areas, while Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh inaugurated the one in Vikaspuri Assembly constituency. The Vikaspuri center, modified from a marriage hall, resembles a mini-hospital. Facilities available at these Arogya Mandirs include:
- Two doctors on duty from 8 AM to 4 PM
- Separate counter for pharmacy
- Dressing room and vaccination unit
- Cold storage unit
- A small pathological lab, capable of performing 10 types of tests immediately
- Sampling facility for over 81 blood tests
Medical Staff and Patients' Feedback
Dr. Meena Varshney, Medical Officer at the Vikaspuri Arogya Mandir, reported that treatment began three days before the inauguration, with over 200 patients visiting daily. Dr. Akash, working at a Mohalla Clinic, stated that his clinic receives approximately 70 patients daily and requested permanent employment for Mohalla Clinic staff.
Local residents Ram Jeevan and Sushma Devi said that previously, they had to visit private clinics for even minor ailments. Now, they can access good healthcare nearby.
Politics and Reactions
The BJP is claiming this initiative as its achievement. Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh stated that they are working towards bringing a health revolution in Delhi. In the future, these centers will be converted into day-care centers to reduce the burden on larger hospitals. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), however, termed it "politics of renaming," with AAP state president Saurabh Bhardwaj claiming that the government is merely repainting Mohalla Clinics and old dispensaries and presenting them in new packaging.
