Context:

• The newly formed BJP government in Delhi, in its first cabinet meeting, approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme. With this decision, Delhi has become the 35th state/union territory to adopt the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• In January 2025, Odisha became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Key Points:

Benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries in Delhi will receive free treatment up to ₹10 lakh, with ₹5 lakh coverage provided by the central government and ₹5 lakh by the Delhi government.

• Cabinet Approval: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of this scheme in her first cabinet meeting. This decision aligns with the BJP's election promise to implement the scheme in Delhi.
• Application Process: Eligible individuals must visit their nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to apply for an Ayushman card. Required documents include Aadhaar card, ration card, and income certificate.
• Features: Ayushman cardholders can avail of free treatment at hospitals. Additionally, the Delhi government has decided to upgrade existing Mohalla Clinics into ‘Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’ to enhance healthcare services.
• Opportunities and Challenges: The scheme aims to provide better healthcare services to Delhi residents. However, its successful implementation requires overcoming administrative challenges such as the card issuance process and beneficiary identification.

Other Information About PMJAY:

• Type: A health insurance scheme
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
• Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA)
• Objective: To provide health insurance to economically weaker sections
• Launch Year: 2018
• Funding: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Largest Health Insurance Scheme: Recognized as the world’s largest health insurance scheme
• Coverage: Provides ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care treatment
• Recent Updates:
  • Union Minister Annapurna Devi announced the inclusion of all ‘Anganwadi center workers’ under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
  • The scheme has been expanded to cover all individuals aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.
  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of hospitals listed under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in India.