Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) Launch in Delhi

On April 11, 2025, the first batch of 30 beneficiaries received their Ayushman cards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, following an MoU between the Delhi government and the Centre.

Main Highlights

• Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):
  • Provides ₹5 lakh health cover per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
  • Delhi government adds an additional ₹5 lakh cover.
• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):
  • Aims to develop capacities of health systems and institutions across various levels.
  • Prepares health systems to respond to pandemics and disasters.

Beneficiary Insights

• A 69-year-old resident of Chandni Chowk shared her inability to afford hospital visits previously.
• ASHA and Anganwadi workers included in the scheme.

Health Infrastructure Developments

• 46 private hospitals are being empanelled in Delhi.
• Training for healthcare workers to assist beneficiaries.
• Plan to set up 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), 11 public health labs, and nine critical care blocks with an allocated budget of ₹1,749 crore.

Political Context

• Union Health Minister criticized the previous AAP government for not signing up for PM-JAY.
• Delhi Health Minister emphasized Ayushman Bharat as a pledge to the people.
• AAP spokesperson criticized the scheme as a scam, citing no cap on medical cover under the previous government.