In a major push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 33 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and 17 Jan Aushadhi Kendras on Tuesday. The events took place at Tis Hazari and the Delhi Secretariat, where Gupta declared that these health centres would bring a new ray of hope to citizens by providing affordable, accessible, and quality medical care.
Delhi to Have 1,139 AAMs by March 2026
As reported by thestatesman, the CM announced that the Delhi government plans to establish 1,139 AAMs across the city by March 2026, with at least 15 centres in every assembly constituency. These centres, part of the Ayushman Bharat Mission, aim to deliver free primary healthcare services to every resident under the motto “Swasth Delhi, Sashakt Delhi.”
Comprehensive Health Services Under One Roof
Unlike the previous Mohalla Clinics that offered only basic outpatient services, the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will provide 12 comprehensive service packages. These include:
- Vaccinations for pregnant women
- Antenatal and postnatal care
- Mental health services
- Geriatric (elderly) care
- Diagnostic tests including LFT, KFT, Lipid Profile, Blood Sugar, and Blood Pressure
- Support for national health programs such as TB elimination, leprosy eradication, and management of non-communicable diseases
In addition, each centre will have in-house laboratory testing, wellness services, air-conditioning, sanitation, waiting areas, and day-care services for women. Special arrangements have also been made for mothers with newborns and elderly patients with caretakers.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras to Offer Affordable Medicines
Rekha Gupta also inaugurated 17 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in government hospitals across Delhi. These centres will operate under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and provide essential medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment at 50–80% lower prices compared to market rates.
She accused the previous administration of deliberately avoiding the rollout of these centres due to political bias, despite their clear benefit to the public.
Political Criticism and Funding Allegations
Targeting the earlier Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government, Gupta alleged that the Mohalla Clinics were built on roadside drains, often staffed by untrained personnel, and relied heavily on outsourced testing, which led to financial misappropriation. She further claimed that many of these clinics turned into shelters for cattle and drug addicts.
According to Gupta, Rs 2,400 crore in central government health grants sanctioned in 2020 remained unused for five years. Her administration, she said, is now working tirelessly to utilize those funds and transform Delhi’s healthcare delivery system.
AAMs to Replace Mohalla Clinics
The Chief Minister stated that wherever Ayushman Arogya Mandirs become operational, existing Mohalla Clinics will be shut down to pave the way for more permanent and well-equipped facilities. “The people of Delhi deserve reliable, modern, and efficient healthcare,” she said.
Ministers Join Inauguration Drive Across Delhi
Delhi ministers and MPs also participated in inaugurating various centres:
- Parvesh Verma opened AAMs at Babar Road and Sarojini Nagar
- Ashish Sood launched the Janakpuri centre
- Kapil Mishra inaugurated the Khajuri Khas facility in North East Delhi
Sood noted that these centres will offer over 200 essential medicines free of cost, alongside key diagnostic services. “These facilities reflect a holistic approach—medical services delivered with dignity, safety, and comfort,” he said.
A New Era for Delhi’s Healthcare System
In conclusion, CM Rekha Gupta reaffirmed her government’s mission to ensure three hospital beds per 1,000 citizens and guaranteed that no Delhi resident would be denied treatment due to lack of access. With Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the capital moves closer to a robust and inclusive public health system.