HC Orders Delhi And Centre To Enter MoU To Implement Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The Delhi High Court has ordered the AAP government and the Union Ministry of Health to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by January 5, 2025. The MoU will ensure the full implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. Justice Prathiba M. Singh emphasized that the scheme must fully roll out so Delhi residents can benefit from the PM-ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission).

The bench, which also included Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, stated that Delhi cannot lag behind. Thirty-three states and Union Territories have already adopted the scheme. The court also ordered the MoU to be signed, regardless of any model code of conduct, as the scheme benefits Delhi residents.

Delhi Implements Only a Small Part of the Scheme

The court previously noted that the PM-ABHIM scheme has only partially launched in Delhi. It is currently limited to diagnostic labs at Indira Gandhi Hospital on a pilot basis. The Delhi State Health Mission and the National Health Mission are still negotiating the scheme’s full implementation.

The court stressed that partial implementation is not sufficient. It directed a full rollout to ensure vulnerable residents have access to healthcare.

Political Differences Cannot Block Health Access

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by seven BJP MPs from Delhi stated that 33 states and UTs have already implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Delhi remains the only Union Territory without it, leaving underprivileged residents without healthcare coverage.

The petition argued that political conflicts should not block public welfare. It urged leaders to prioritize the health and safety of Delhi’s residents over political differences.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides Rs 5 lakh in health coverage to economically weaker and below-poverty-line families, benefiting over 12 crore families across India.

Also Read: SC Issues Contempt Notice To Punjab Government Over Non-Compliance With Medical Assistance Order