New Delhi: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday, accusing them of focusing on liquor sales rather than prioritising the health of Delhi’s residents. During a press conference, Mandaviya spoke about the importance of central government initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Vaya Vandana schemes, urging their implementation in Delhi to benefit the population.
“The Government of India has requested the Delhi government to focus on the health of its people. However, they seem to be preoccupied with liquor sales,” Mandaviya said. “Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Vaya Vandana should reach the people of Delhi.” Mandaviya’s comments came after the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi government about its failure to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
On November 28, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said that the AAP government was ready to implement the scheme, but highlighted discrepancies between the facilities available at Delhi government hospitals and those under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
‘Huge differences’
“The Delhi government is committed to providing excellent healthcare services. While we are prepared to adopt the principles of Ayushman Bharat, there are huge differences between the services offered at our hospitals and those under the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” Atishi said.
She added that while Delhi government hospitals offer free medical care, Ayushman Bharat imposes restrictions, including asset-based eligibility criteria and a cap of Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance per family. “The government is committed to providing free healthcare and has instructed the health department to explore ways to implement Ayushman Bharat without disadvantaging anyone,” she added.
Delhi High Court seeks response from AAP
The Delhi High Court issued the notice to the Delhi government following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by all seven Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs from Delhi. The petition demands the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
