In a major step towards inclusive healthcare, Delhi has officially become the 35th state or union territory to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This landmark decision was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Government of NCT of Delhi.
The MoU was signed by Smt. L.S Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW & CEO of NHA, and Dr S.B. Deepak Kumar, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Delhi. The event saw the presence of top dignitaries, including Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, among others.
Under the scheme, eligible families in Delhi will receive ₹5 lakh per annum for secondary and tertiary medical care. The Delhi Government has committed to top-up this cover by an additional ₹5 lakh, making it a total of ₹10 lakh per family per year.
This move is expected to benefit over 36 lakh individuals, including those from 6.54 lakh families and around 6 lakh senior citizens. Significantly, all residents aged 70 and above, regardless of income or background, will now receive free health cover under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.
The initiative also extends to 36 lakh frontline health workers, including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, who will now be covered under both AB PM-JAY and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana, providing them with comprehensive health and life insurance.
This marks a major leap in social protection for those who have been the backbone of India’s grassroots public health system.
Beneficiaries in Delhi will have access to 1,961 medical procedures across 27 medical specialties, with revised rates and updated guidelines for hospitals. This includes both public and private healthcare institutions empanelled under the scheme.
Card distribution will begin on April 10th 2025, enabling eligible residents to start availing services at the earliest.
Since its launch on September 23, 2018, AB PM-JAY has emerged as the world’s largest health assurance scheme, covering over 55 crore individuals or nearly 40% of India’s population.
According to Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, the scheme has helped reduce out-of-pocket health expenses from 62% in 2014 to 38% today. A recent Lancet study showed a 90% rise in timely cancer treatment among enrolled patients—an indicator of the programme’s impact on timely intervention.
Union Minister Smt. Anupriya Patel lauded the initiative as a joint commitment of the Union and Delhi governments to deliver affordable and quality healthcare. The scheme is built on the principle of assurance, not insurance, reinforcing the government’s focus on healthcare as a right rather than a privilege.
By joining this programme, Delhi aligns with 34 other states and UTs, collectively working to ensure universal health coverage for all, especially the vulnerable and elderly.
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Published on: Apr 8, 2025, 3:11 PM IST
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