Delhi Cabinet Approves Major Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Health Coverage
In a significant move to strengthen healthcare accessibility, the Delhi cabinet has approved the extension of health coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to include widow pension beneficiaries and persons with disabilities receiving government pension. This decision will bring nearly 5.5 lakh additional families under the protective umbrella of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Historic Decision Announced by Chief Minister
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this transformative decision following a cabinet meeting chaired by her at the secretariat on Tuesday. Describing the move as historic and transformative, Gupta emphasized its role in strengthening Delhi's health security infrastructure.
"This expansion will bring direct and meaningful change to lakhs of needy families across our capital," stated the Chief Minister. "Our government is firmly committed to ensuring that no poor, vulnerable, or needy Delhiite is deprived of essential medical treatment due to financial constraints."
Inclusive Expansion of India's Largest Health Protection Scheme
PM-JAY represents the country's largest health protection initiative, and the Delhi government's decision marks a substantial step toward making the scheme more effective and inclusive. The newly included families will join existing beneficiary categories including:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana and priority household categories
- Senior citizens above 70 years of age
- ASHA workers
- Anganwadi workers and helpers
Chief Minister Gupta framed this expansion as a step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development, noting that Ayushman Bharat has already ensured health security for crores of poor families nationwide.
Current Implementation and Infrastructure
According to government data, Delhi's Ayushman Bharat implementation has already achieved substantial reach:
- Over 7.2 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued in Delhi
- This includes 2.7 lakh cards issued to senior citizens
- A total of 208 hospitals have been empanelled, including 156 private facilities
- More than 29,120 beneficiaries have received treatment through the state health agency
The Delhi government remains committed to extending Ayushman Bharat benefits to every eligible individual in the capital, with this latest expansion representing a significant milestone in healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.
