The Delhi Government has officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Union Health Ministry. This initiative aims to bolster the public health infrastructure, enhance surveillance, and support health research in the capital.

Launched in October 2021, PM-ABHIM is a Centrally-sponsored scheme under the broader Ayushman Bharat umbrella, which also includes the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) — the world’s largest healthcare coverage programme, currently benefiting 620 millionpeople.

With the rollout in Delhi, over 3 million low-income residents and nearly 600,000 senior citizens above 70 will gain access to free medical treatment under AB PM-JAY. Additionally, Delhi beneficiaries will receive an annual health cover of Rs 1 million, double the national entitlement of Rs 500,000, thanks to a top-up by the Delhi Government.

With this move, Delhi joins a growing list of states implementing the Ayushman Bharat initiative, promising enhanced healthcare delivery for millions.

(Tribune)