1 Lakh Ayushman Cards To Be Distributed On April 5

New Delhi: Delhi govt is set to sign two MoUs with Centre next month to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the city.
According to officials, the MoU for PMJAY for health cover will be signed on April 5, coinciding with the distribution of one lakh Ayushman cards to Delhiites. Registration for the scheme is likely to start in April first week. The MoU for PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) will be signed on April 10.
The Ayushman scheme comprises Ayushman Arogya Mandir, critical care blocks, integrated diagnostic facilities, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Digital Mission.
Central govt's PM-ABHIM aims to strengthen public healthcare systems for managing health emergencies, including epidemics and disasters. The initiative targets improvements across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare infrastructure.
According to sources, post-Covid, Govt of India designated 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for Delhi for a five-year period — 2021-22 to 2025-26 — under ABHIM, but these were not implemented by the previous AAP govt. Chief minister Rekha Gupta has now set a target to establish 400 such facilities in FY 2025-26. To this end, both land identification and staff training are currently on. "Suitable facilities will enable a quick transition," said a health department official.
The new centres will provide expanded services beyond mohalla clinics, including cancer screening, immunisation and family planning, the official said, adding that both PHCs and sub-centres will receive comprehensive facilities. The administration also plans to install NAT machines for TB testing. Unlike other states using community health officers, Delhi will employ MBBS doctors at these centres, he said.
The centres comply with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022 guidelines established for urban areas, according to the official. The standards specify requirements covering infrastructure, staffing, medicines, diagnostic equipment and essential health services. The centres will be well-prepared to monitor and treat patients with acute fever cases, he said.
According to sources, following the pandemic, there was a clear recognition of deficiencies in infrastructure projects, particularly in areas like diagnostic capabilities, critical care units and related facilities. The initiative under ABHIM involves establishing new or enhancing existing specialised critical care facilities, with each block accommodating between 50 to 100 beds. These dedicated units, while integrated within current hospital premises, are designed to function autonomously during health crises, yet serve as standard departments during routine operations.
Integrated public health laboratories will be established in 11 hospitals spanning Delhi's 11 districts, with connections to the neighbouring Ayushman Arogya Mandir. These centres will offer comprehensive testing services, including pathological examinations, biochemistry analysis and haematology investigations, said the health official.
The facilities will conduct tests on blood and other body fluids to identify and track illnesses — blood-related conditions would be examined under haematology, fluid compositions under biochemistry, and tissue specimens under pathology. According to officials, the setting up these centres, including the installation of necessary equipment, will take six months to complete.
PM-JAY provides annual hospitalisation coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for eligible families. In Sept 2024, benefits were extended to all citizens aged above 70, regardless of economic status. Elderly members from enrolled families receive additional individual coverage under the scheme.
A comprehensive digital health system will link hospitals and streamline healthcare delivery. Currently, 86 lakh ABHA health ID cards have been generated, mainly from Covid vaccination registrations. The system enables paperless hospital visits, digital prescriptions and secure sharing of medical records through mobile applications, effectively reducing registration queues.