Delhi Implements Ayushman Bharat Scheme & Became 35th State

On April 5, 2025, Delhi became the 35th state or Union Territory to formally implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a flagship healthcare program by the Government of India. This initiative is a historic milestone for the national capital, as it will now allow Delhi’s residents to access the benefits of the scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the decision as a significant step forward, ensuring that more people would benefit from the program’s vast healthcare coverage. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh criticized the previous AAP government for delaying the rollout and stated that the registration for beneficiaries would start on April 10, 2025. The scheme has been operational in 34 other states and UTs, but Delhi’s inclusion marks a crucial expansion, enhancing healthcare access for millions of people in the region.

Key Points

Historic Move

• Delhi’s formal adoption of Ayushman Bharat was celebrated as a historic step by CM Rekha Gupta, who emphasized that it would finally extend healthcare benefits to the people of Delhi.

PMJAY Details

• The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a comprehensive healthcare initiative that provides health coverage to economically disadvantaged families. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment at designated hospitals across the country.

Previous Delays

• Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh pointed out that the previous government had delayed the scheme’s implementation in Delhi. He announced that the registration for the program would begin on April 10, 2025.

MoU Signed

• An MoU was signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Delhi government to implement the program. This MoU will facilitate the process of coverage for the residents of Delhi under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Key Benefits

• The Ayushman Bharat scheme, already operational in 34 states and UTs, has been instrumental in providing healthcare coverage to over 50 crore people based on the economic caste census. The program also includes 36 lakh frontline workers, such as ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, in its coverage.

Nationwide Impact

• The scheme has been praised for its extensive reach, ensuring that millions of vulnerable individuals have access to medical treatments and social security through health and life insurance coverage.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Delhi Implements Ayushman Bharat Scheme & Became 35th State
Delhi Implements Ayushman Bharat	Delhi becomes the 35th state to adopt the Ayushman Bharat scheme, providing healthcare coverage to its residents.
Chief Minister’s Statement	CM Rekha Gupta calls it a “historic step” and thanks PM Modi and the central government for implementing the scheme.
Previous Government Delays	Pankaj Kumar Singh alleges the AAP government delayed the rollout, pledging to start registrations on April 10, 2025.
MoU Signing	The MoU between National Health Authority (NHA) and the Delhi government formally implements the scheme.
Expanded Coverage	The Ayushman Bharat scheme covers 50 crore people based on the economic caste census and also includes 36 lakh frontline workers.
National Impact	The scheme has been a significant success across 34 states and UTs, ensuring health and life insurance for vulnerable populations.