Delhi's Mohalla Clinics Under Review for Potential Conversion to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

The Union health ministry plans to request a report from the Delhi government regarding the status of Mohalla Clinics. They are considering whether these clinics can be transformed into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, according to official sources. The ministry will also review the execution of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, AB-PMJAY.

Concerns about corruption allegations in Mohalla Clinics have prompted this move. A report will be requested from Delhi's new health minister on the clinics' condition and their potential conversion into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. In January, Lt Governor V K Saxena initiated a CBI investigation into claims of fraudulent diagnostic tests at Mohalla Clinics, allegedly benefiting private laboratories.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme Overview

The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a major government initiative offering Rs 5 lakh health coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. It targets around 55 crore beneficiaries, representing 12.37 crore families from India's economically vulnerable bottom 40%. Recently, it expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, covering 4.5 crore families regardless of socio-economic status.

Under the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, screening for common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cervical, breast, and oral cancer is crucial. As of January 31, 2025, there are 1,76,141 operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across India. However, the AAP-led Delhi government and West Bengal have not yet adopted the AB-PMJAY scheme.

Potential Impact on Mohalla Clinics

If Mohalla Clinics are converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, they must adhere to the scheme's guidelines. This transformation could enhance healthcare delivery by integrating comprehensive disease screening services. The government aims to issue Ayushman Bharat cards to approximately 51 lakh individuals as part of this initiative.

The health ministry's actions reflect its commitment to improving healthcare access and addressing corruption concerns in existing facilities. By potentially converting Mohalla Clinics into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the government seeks to ensure better healthcare services for economically disadvantaged populations.