The Delhi government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) on March 18 to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). With this move, Delhi will become the 35th state or Union Territory to adopt the central healthcare scheme, leaving West Bengal as the only state yet to implement it.
According to sources, Union Health Minister JP Nadda will be present at the signing ceremony, and five families will be issued AB-PMJAY health cards, officially enrolling them in the scheme.
Fulfilling an Election Promise
The rollout of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi fulfills a key election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had opted to implement its own healthcare model and refrained from adopting the central scheme.
However, after the BJP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, marking its return to power in the state after 26 years, the new government has moved swiftly to introduce the scheme and provide cashless healthcare benefits to residents.
What is Ayushman Bharat PMJAY?
Ayushman Bharat PMJAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance program. It provides financial coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for medical treatments, including secondary and tertiary hospital care.
Currently, the scheme benefits around 550 million people from 123.7 million economically weaker families, covering nearly 40% of India’s population.
In October 2024, the scheme was expanded to include senior citizens aged 70 and above, granting them free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year, regardless of their financial status.
Who is Eligible?
- Families identified as economically vulnerable under SECC 2011 data.
- Senior citizens above 70 years (automatically covered).
- Individuals can check eligibility and register through the Ayushman Bharat portal or designated enrollment centers.
Healthcare Services Under the Scheme
- Over 1,500 medical procedures are covered, including cardiac surgeries, knee and hip replacements, cancer treatments, and chronic disease care.
- Treatment is cashless and paperless at empanelled hospitals across India.
- Both government and private hospitals participate in the scheme.
With Delhi joining Ayushman Bharat, residents will soon be able to access extensive healthcare benefits, ensuring affordable and quality medical care for millions in the state.
