Primary health care gets a boost as govt. launches 81 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

The Delhi government on Wednesday inaugurated 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) aimed at bringing free treatment closer to residents of the national capital. This takes the number of inaugurated AAMs to 319.

The Chief Minister inaugurated an AAM in west Delhi’s Janakpuri, where she inspected the services at the Nangal Raya centre. “In just 11 months, 319 modern Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering free healthcare services have been opened. This reflects both the speed and scale of our government’s efforts,” Ms. Gupta said.

She said the government aims to establish 1,100 AAMs in the coming months. Noting that the AAMs function as primary hospitals, Ms. Gupta said they will “reduce pressure on major hospitals” and address common health issues faced by Delhi residents. The Chief Minister said that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, more than six lakh Delhi residents have registered with thousands of families benefiting from free treatment. The income limit for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category has been raised from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

Improved transparency

Ms. Gupta said that due to the “neglect of health infrastructure” under previous governments, several hospital projects were stalled for years. She said the BJP government in Delhi is working to complete all such unfinished projects with transparency. Ms. Gupta said patients can now access OPD appointments and medical records through mobile phones, improving convenience and transparency.

Other Ministers simultaneously inaugurated AAMs across the city. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh launched one in Bhim Nagari in south Delhi while Education Minister Ashish Sood inaugurated another in Janakpuri. Mr. Singh said the addition of 81 new AAMs marks a step toward providing “affordable, accessible and quality primary health care” to residents. 

Mr. Sood said the government is working towards upgrading Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital into a fully equipped super-speciality hospital. He said more Arogya Mandirs are being constructed in parts of Janakpuri.

Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Singh Indraj inaugurated two AAMs in the Bawana Assembly constituency and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra opened one in Sonia Vihar. Mr. Mishra said comprehensive development work is under way in Karawal Nagar, including drinking water and sewer lines, electricity infrastructure, highways and metro connectivity.

While some AAMs are revamped Mohalla Clinics launched by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, new locations have been identified for the rest. Unlike Mohalla Clinics, AAMs offer screening tests and pre- and post-natal care for mothers. Other services include free essential medicines, maternal and child health care, disease-prevention counselling, routine check-ups and immunisation.