The Union Health Ministry is considering converting Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as part of a broader initiative to strengthen healthcare services and expand the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme (AB-PMJAY). Sources have revealed that the ministry will seek a report on the current state of Mohalla Clinics and assess their potential for transformation.
What Are Mohalla Clinics?
Mohalla Clinics are neighborhood health centers set up by the Delhi government to provide free basic healthcare services to residents. They offer consultations, diagnostic services, and essential medicines at no cost. However, allegations of corruption and fake diagnostic tests have recently raised concerns about their efficiency.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: A New Healthcare Model
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, focusing on the screening and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as:
- Cervical Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Oral Cancer
If Mohalla Clinics are converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, they will have to adhere to the guidelines of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and expand their services.
What Is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship health insurance scheme of the government. It provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries from economically vulnerable families.
Key Highlights of AB-PMJAY:
- Health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family annually.
- Coverage for secondary and tertiary care treatments.
- Recently expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Why This Change Is Important
Converting Mohalla Clinics into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs could:
- Expand access to preventive healthcare services.
- Improve healthcare delivery and reduce corruption.
- Allow more people in Delhi to benefit from the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Ensure better screening and early detection of non-communicable diseases.
Current Status of Ayushman Bharat in India
As of January 31, 2025, around 1,76,141 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across India. However, Delhi and West Bengal have yet to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has been a significant barrier to expanding healthcare access in these regions.
Take Action for Better Health
Health is wealth! If you or your family is eligible for Ayushman Bharat, ensure you apply for your Ayushman Bharat card to access affordable and quality healthcare. Early detection and preventive care can save lives—stay informed and stay healthy!
To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur
