Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has reignited the debate between Delhi’s healthcare model and the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, underscoring the benefits of Delhi’s “mohalla clinic” system. At a recent press conference, Kejriwal asserted that Delhi’s healthcare system provides comprehensive, free medical treatment to residents without an upper limit, contrasting it with Ayushman Bharat, which has a cap of ₹5 lakh per family per year. He pointed to findings from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicating alleged irregularities within Ayushman Bharat, which he suggested could compromise the scheme’s effectiveness and reliability in providing affordable healthcare.
This exchange escalated when Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Delhi and West Bengal for not adopting Ayushman Bharat, suggesting that “political interests” have obstructed healthcare access for the elderly in these states. He expressed disappointment, particularly for senior citizens who would benefit from health insurance coverage under the scheme. Kejriwal responded sharply, calling Modi’s remarks an example of “politicisng healthcare” and defending Delhi’s model as inclusive and extensive, noting that his government would send detailed case data to prove the model’s success.
Delhi’s healthcare model, launched in 2015, includes mohalla clinics offering free treatment for a broad range of medical issues, from basic consultations to surgeries for life-threatening conditions. The clinics have gained popularity for their accessibility, with over 450 facilities operational across the city and plans to expand further. The model has drawn international attention; for instance, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited a mohalla clinic, applauding its efficiency and community focus. By comparison, Ayushman Bharat aims to extend health insurance to underprivileged families nationwide, capping benefits at Rs 5 lakh, but critics argue that it primarily supports private hospitals, pushing people toward the private sector instead of strengthening government healthcare systems.
Kejriwal emphasised that his government has invested heavily in healthcare, increasing the sector’s budget from Rs 3,300 crore in 2015-16 to over Rs 7,484 crore by 2019-20, facilitating free surgeries and treatments at government hospitals and polyclinics. This model has inspired replication in states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, which are adopting similar clinics to address local healthcare needs. Supporters argue that this system not only prioritises accessible healthcare but also strengthens public healthcare infrastructure—elements they feel Ayushman Bharat lacks.
While Delhi’s model continues to gain favour for its low-cost, high-accessibility approach, Modi and other BJP leaders argue that Delhi’s refusal to implement Ayushman Bharat limits healthcare options for its citizens. Delhi’s Lt. Governor has urged Kejriwal to reconsider, citing potential benefits for low-income families. Nevertheless, Kejriwal remains firm, citing Delhi’s success in reducing healthcare costs and suggesting that Ayushman Bharat’s insurance cap and limitations are restrictive compared to the open-ended support available through mohalla clinics.
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The ongoing debate reflects a broader ideological clash between different approaches to public health, with Delhi’s model emphasizing free public healthcare services and Ayushman Bharat promoting insurance coverage for hospitalisation. Both systems aim to alleviate healthcare burdens but differ significantly in implementation, scope, and vision for public health. As this debate unfolds, it remains a key issue, especially as various states consider healthcare reforms tailored to their populations’ needs.