GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Feb. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital. Officials at Raj Niwas said that the non-implementation of this scheme has been leading to significant hardships for economically disadvantaged patients.
Responding to this, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj asserted that the Lt Governor might not be fully aware of the ground realities. He pointed out that hospitals in Delhi are experiencing a patient influx similar to that in neighboring BJP-ruled states under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Saxena has revisited the file concerning Ayushman Bharat, invoking Rule 19(5) of Transaction of Business Rules, and has urged the Chief Minister to expedite the scheme’s implementation for the benefit of the underprivileged. Expressing concern over the delay, he highlighted the mounting waiting list for ration card issuance since 2018, which is hindering access to healthcare for needy patients.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the urgent need for improving public health infrastructure and services in Delhi. He underscored the necessity of accepting assistance and schemes offered by the Government of India without delay, asserting that any hesitance or politicking on such critical matters jeopardizes the health and well-being of the people.
Saxena stressed that implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme would not only alleviate financial burdens on low-income families and migrants but also enhance the overall health security of Delhi’s residents.
However, Minister Bharadwaj countered these assertions, highlighting challenges faced by Delhi hospitals due to patient loads from neighboring states where Ayushman Bharat is operational. He cited discrepancies in the scheme flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and called for a comprehensive review.
Bharadwaj urged the LG to ensure joint inspections of hospitals by the health secretary and minister to gain a deeper understanding of ground realities.
