- By Nidhi Giri
- Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Supreme Court has halted a Delhi High Court order directing the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Delhi government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) scheme in the national capital. The apex court has also issued notices to the Centre, AIIMS, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi after hearing a petition by the Delhi government challenging the High Court order.
While appearing before the Supreme Court, Delhi government's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said that the High Court re-defined the power-sharing between the Centre and Delhi government.
"They can’t force me. How can the High Court force me on policy matters to sign MoU with the central government?" Singhvi said while appearing before the top court.
Last month, the High Court had asked the central and state governments to sign an MoU by January 5 to ensure that the central scheme was implemented in the national capital.
The AAP government has been opposing the central scheme in Delhi stating that the city enjoys "superior benefits" under the state government's schemes.
In a detailed affidavit submitted to the High Court, the Delhi government argued that the central health scheme, launched in 2018, is based on outdated data and does not suit the needs of Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emphasised that the PM-ABHIM scheme, which offers Rs 5 lakh coverage per family for hospital care, would only benefit 12-15 per cent of Delhi’s population, leaving the majority without healthcare support.
“PMJAY would only benefit about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of Delhi’s population, leaving a majority without access to health benefits,” the affidavit stated. It further claimed that replacing existing state schemes with the central one would harm residents by reducing the quality of services they currently receive.
The matter threatens to add to the political attacks between the BJP and AAP as Delhi prepared for the crucial elections to choose its next government.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Under the government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), seniors above the age of 70 are entitled to cashless health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
It covers hospitalisation expenses for a wide range of conditions, including major surgeries, chronic illness treatments, and specialised healthcare services that tend to become more essential as one ages.
-Once enrolled, beneficiaries can access treatments without paying out-of-pocket at empanelled hospitals.
-The scheme covers more than 1,500 procedures, including knee and hip replacements, cardiac surgery, and cancer treatments.
-Covers secondary and tertiary care, helping older adults manage both minor and critical condition.
