Delhi Unveils Rs 13,034 Crore Health Push with Major Ayushman Expansion
In a significant move to prioritize public health, the Delhi government has announced a robust allocation of Rs 13,034 crore for the Health Department in its Budget for 2026-27. This substantial investment represents 12.57 percent of the total budget, underscoring a commitment to transforming healthcare into a fundamental right for all residents.
Infrastructure Completion and Critical Care Enhancement
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while presenting the budget, emphasized a rights-based approach, stating, "Our government is building a strong, accessible and affordable system from primary to intensive care, where treatment is a right, not a favour." The budget sharply focuses on completing long-stalled infrastructure projects, with CM Gupta attributing previous delays to "negligence and corruption of the previous government."
Key infrastructure initiatives include:
- An investment of Rs 515 crore to complete projects at hospitals in Madipur, Siraspur, Hastal, and Jwalapuri.
- Addressing pending works at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital and Satyawadi Raja Harishchandra Hospital.
- A dedicated allocation of Rs 150 crore for completing ICU hospital infrastructure, aimed at bolstering critical care capacity across the city.
Expansion of Ayushman Bharat and Primary Health Care
The budget introduces the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Delhi, widening its coverage to 7.5 lakh beneficiaries. This expansion now includes:
- ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers.
- Widows and differently-abled pensioners.
- Transgender persons, marking an inclusive step in healthcare access.
A sum of Rs 202 crore has been earmarked for this scheme, providing a vital safety net for vulnerable groups. In primary health care, the government plans to scale up services significantly. While 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are already operational, the budget allocates Rs 1,500 crore to establish more than 750 new units in 2026-27. This initiative aims to bring health services closer to communities, enhancing accessibility and preventive care.
Standardization of Medical Supplies and Equipment
To improve efficiency and streamline operations, the budget sets aside Rs 787 crore for procuring machinery, medical equipment, and medicines. This move is designed to standardize supply chains, moving away from fragmented purchasing practices and ensuring consistent quality across healthcare facilities.
The comprehensive health push in Delhi's budget reflects a strategic effort to address gaps in infrastructure, expand insurance coverage, and strengthen primary care, positioning health at the core of governance for the upcoming fiscal year.
