New Delhi, April 5 (HS): Delhi has become the 35th State/UT to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), following an MoU between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Government of NCT, Delhi. The agreement was signed by L.S. Changsan, Addl Secretary of MoHFW, and Dr. S.B. Deepak Kumar, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) of the Delhi government, in a ceremony attended by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ministers, and MPs from Delhi.
JP Nadda expressed pride in extending India's largest health coverage scheme to the national capital, emphasizing its nature as an ‘assurance’ scheme built on trust rather than an insurance scheme. The initiative covers 50 crore individuals based on the economic caste census and includes 36 lakh frontline health workers for comprehensive social security coverage.
Additionally, Delhi's implementation will benefit all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, providing Rs 5 lakh in free health coverage, with all pre-existing diseases covered from the start. It is projected that over 6 lakh senior citizens and around 30 lakh people from 6.5 lakh families in Delhi will benefit from the AB PM-JAY scheme. This historic rollout signifies a significant step in improving healthcare access in the region.
JP Nadda emphasized the impact of the AB PM-JAY scheme, targeting over 55 crore beneficiaries from 12 crore families, which accounts for 40% of India’s vulnerable population. He noted that the implementation of this scheme has contributed to a healthier and more prosperous Delhi, reducing out-of-pocket health expenses from 62% in 2014 to 38% today. A recent LANCET study highlighted that timely initiation of cancer treatment has improved significantly due to this initiative, with a 90% increase in access to treatment within 30 days for enrolled patients.
Rekha Gupta announced that Delhi citizens would benefit from free health coverage of Rs. 5 Lakh per family per year under AB PM-JAY, with an additional top-up of Rs. 5 Lakh from the Delhi government. This scheme is expected to assist around 6.54 lakh families, offering access to 1,961 health benefit packages across 27 medical specialties. Card distribution for this initiative will commence on April 10, 2025.
Anupriya Patel remarked on the significance of this MoU, showcasing the collaborative commitment to deliver quality, affordable healthcare to Delhi residents. She pointed out that AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, having saved Rs. 1.75 crore in out-of-pocket expenses. The program will support approximately 6.54 lakh families, including all senior citizens aged 70 and above, and has proven to be transformative for millions of vulnerable families, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare without significant financial burden.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
