A Point of Contention in Delhi

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a government-sponsored health insurance program offering coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to underprivileged families, has become a point of contention in Delhi. While the BJP criticizes the Delhi government for not implementing the scheme, the AAP government cites discrepancies between the program's offerings and the existing healthcare facilities in the city.

BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat views the non-implementation of Ayushman Bharat as a betrayal to Delhi residents. She argues that the scheme would provide significant benefits, allowing people to access treatment at private hospitals in addition to government facilities. Sehrawat highlights the lack of new government hospitals built in the past decade and emphasizes the importance of the Ayushman card for accessing private healthcare.

A PIL filed by all seven Delhi BJP MPs led the Delhi High Court to issue a notice to the Delhi government, seeking the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in the National Capital Territory. The court has linked the case with other ongoing matters concerning health infrastructure and scheduled the next hearing for December 11, 2024.

However, Chief Minister Atishi maintains that while the Delhi government is willing to implement the scheme, there are inconsistencies between the program's offerings and the existing healthcare facilities. She points out that Delhi government hospitals provide free treatment, while Ayushman Bharat imposes restrictions based on income and asset ownership. Additionally, the program's coverage limit of Rs 5 lakh per family raises concerns about potential inadequacy in cases of multiple family members requiring medical attention.

The Delhi government's commitment to robust healthcare facilities remains evident. However, the discrepancies between Ayushman Bharat and the existing healthcare system necessitate careful consideration before implementation. The upcoming court hearing will likely play a crucial role in determining the fate of the scheme in Delhi.