The Delhi government on Wednesday, 27th May said that more than 7.72 lakh Ayushman Bharat health cards have been issued in the national capital under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). According to officials, 2,90,475 cards were issued under the Vaya Vandana Scheme (VVS), while 4,81,654 cards were created under the non-VVS category, helping senior citizens and eligible families get healthcare benefits.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the scheme is becoming an important support system for people in Delhi by making treatment more accessible and affordable. He said the Delhi government is focusing on smooth treatment facilities, better awareness and timely support for all eligible beneficiaries through a strong healthcare network.
Up to Rs 10 lakh cashless treatment
Under the AB PM-JAY scheme, beneficiaries can get cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. This includes Rs 5 lakh provided under the Central government’s scheme and another Rs 5 lakh added by the Delhi government. Officials said the additional support is helping families reduce heavy medical expenses while improving access to quality healthcare services.
So far, 46,963 beneficiaries in Delhi have received treatment under the scheme. Out of the total claims made, 34,715 claims worth Rs 86.22 crore have already been settled.
Network of 233 hospitals supporting the scheme
The Delhi government said healthcare services under AB PM-JAY are currently being provided through a network of 233 empanelled hospitals across the city. This includes 181 private hospitals and 52 government hospitals, allowing patients to access cashless treatment for different medical needs.
Officials said the wide hospital network is helping beneficiaries receive treatment more easily across Delhi.
Delhi government on heatwave preparedness
Amid the ongoing heatwave conditions, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also reviewed the preparedness of hospitals and health centres in the city. He said Delhi’s healthcare system is fully prepared to deal with heat-related emergencies and ensure uninterrupted medical care for residents.
Hospitals, polyclinics, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, emergency services, ICU beds, dedicated wards and mobile relief units have been placed on alert across Delhi.
The minister also inspected preparations at Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP). The hospital has kept four beds ready in the casualty ward and 10 beds in the E-ICU for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. In addition, a 70-bed disaster ward has also been prepared to handle emergencies if needed.
Officials said the hospital has arranged enough cooling pads, cold saline and ORS (oral rehydration solution) for quick treatment of heat stroke and related conditions.
Delhi’s healthcare spending
According to the latest National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates report released by the Union Health Ministry, Delhi spent Rs 16,696 crore on healthcare during 2022-23. Government Health Expenditure (GHE) accounted for 29.6% of the national capital’s General Government Expenditure (GGE) during the financial year.
The report also stated that Delhi’s GHE as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stood at 1.7% in 2022-23.
