Atishi Explores Implementing Ayushman Bharat Scheme In Delhi After High Court's Notice, As BJP Makes It Election Issue

A day after the Delhi High Court criticised the Delhi government for refusing to implement the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, Chief Minister Atishi announced that the health department has been instructed to find a way to adopt the scheme.

Earlier, free healthcare services provided by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government were claimed to be the reason for not implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheme for Rs 5 lakh health cover.

However, after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs of Delhi filed a plea in the court seeking the implementation of the Centre's scheme, the Delhi government appears to be changing its stance while instructions have been given to not compromise with the existing scheme.

Delhi and West Bengal remain the only states/Union Territories that have not adopted the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), while Odisha is in the process of doing so.

Earlier this year, the scheme was expanded to cover all individuals over the age of 70 universally. In October, PM Modi remarked that he was unable to extend these benefits to the elderly in Delhi and West Bengal due to "political reasons."

Atishi stated that while the Delhi government is open to implementing Ayushman Bharat, challenges arise because its existing free healthcare system differs significantly from the scheme’s framework, Indian Express reported.

Atishi also highlighted the exclusions under Ayushman Bharat, pointing out that eligibility is limited to specific occupational categories and excludes individuals owning assets like vehicles or a permanent house. In contrast, Delhi’s healthcare model provides free treatment in government hospitals and covers costs in private hospitals for accident victims and delayed surgeries, among other benefits.

"Ayushman Bharat has a limited number of categories. If you are a rag picker, cobbler, or belong to one of the 10–12 specific categories, you are eligible for health insurance under Ayushman Bharat," she said.

Delhi government claims that in the 2023-24 fiscal year, over 2.42 lakh individuals accessed free diagnostic services, while thousands received free surgeries and emergency care in private hospitals under Delhi’s programs.

Atishi also raised concerns about the Rs 5 lakh cap on the scheme’s coverage, noting that it may leave families financially burdened in cases of high-cost treatments. "In Delhi government hospitals, there is no cap—whether the treatment costs Rs 5 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, or more, it is entirely free," she emphasised.

However, the change instance came after the BJP made it a central issue of its campaign for Delhi assembly elections due for early next year, promising immediate implementation of Ayushman Bharat if voted to power.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the government and health department on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in the city. The PIL, filed by Delhi’s BJP MPs, including senior advocate Bansuri Swaraj, urged the court to direct the Delhi government and other authorities to ensure access to the scheme for Delhi residents.