- By Nidhi Giri
- Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:48 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics will likely get a makeover under the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the national capital. The Union Health Ministry will seek a report from the Delhi government on the condition of Mohalla Clinics and whether they can be turned into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, news agency PTI reported, quoting official sources.
Meanwhile, Dr Atul Goel, director-general of health services, said primary healthcare is a key focus, and the new government will determine whether to continue Mohalla Clinics under the same name or modify the model.
“Mohalla clinics essentially provide primary health care which has been a key focus of the central government when talking about health care delivery. Let the new government decide how they want to take it further,” he said.
The Health Ministry will also look into the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme (AB-PMJAY). According to the sources by PTI, 51 lakh people are likely to be issued Ayushman Bharat cards. If the mohalla clinics are converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, they will have to follow the scheme guidelines.
"The government is very concerned about the allegations of corruption in the Mohalla Clinics. A report will be sought from the new health minister of Delhi on the state of Mohalla Clinics and on whether they can be converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandir," a source said.
Delhi Mohalla Clinics
Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had run around 300 Mohalla Clinics, with 700 more planned, offering free diagnostic tests and essential medicines for underserved communities. The clinics provide at least 200 common diagnostic tests and 110 essential medicines free of costs.
(With Agency Inputs)