The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has opposed the implementation of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), asserting that its Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) program is more comprehensive and impactful.
In its response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Delhi’s seven BJP MPs seeking the adoption of PM-JAY, the AAP government argued that implementing the central scheme would “downgrade” the city’s existing healthcare initiatives.
The Delhi High Court had earlier directed the AAP government and the Union Ministry of Health to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by January 5 for the scheme, highlighting that Delhi’s non-implementation, while 33 other states and Union Territories have adopted it, was unjustified.
The Delhi government maintains that PM-JAY would benefit only 12-15% of the city’s population, whereas the DAK scheme has a broader reach. Introduced transparently, DAK provides free medical treatment at empanelled private hospitals and ensures superior healthcare access for all Delhi residents.
The government also highlighted that over 30% of patients treated at Delhi’s major hospitals come from neighboring states, which have already adopted PM-JAY. This influx, it claimed, demonstrates the superior quality of healthcare available in Delhi compared to the central scheme.
Terming the PIL “politically motivated,” the AAP government accused the BJP of attempting to impose its agenda on Delhi, despite winning only 10% of seats in the last assembly elections. It emphasized that it holds exclusive jurisdiction over public health policies and urged the court to dismiss the petition.
However, the High Court reiterated that PM-JAY should be fully implemented to ensure Delhi residents benefit from its funds and facilities, clarifying that signing the MoU would not violate any model code of conduct.
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