In a determined push to transform neighbourhood healthcare access in the Capital, the Delhi government is set to inaugurate 34 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs by July 24 under its ambitious second phase, with plans to open another 75 centres by the end of August. These developments signal the government’s intention to deliver accessible, free, and quality primary healthcare services through decentralised neighbourhood facilities across Delhi.
The announcement came after Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat with senior officials from the Health Department and the Public Works Department to assess the progress of the rollout. Dr Singh emphasised that building a “healthy and empowered Delhi” remains a core focus, with efforts to develop world-class healthcare infrastructure being prioritised.
Scaling Up Healthcare Access
Officials at the meeting highlighted that the government is actively identifying available spaces in community centres, banquet halls, market shops, polyclinics, and even unused residential plots to house the upcoming Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. A feasibility study is currently underway to establish these health centres at over 950 potential locations across the Capital, with 429 sites identified so far and 98 receiving the required No Objection Certificates.
The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are designed to function as localised health centres providing free primary care, diagnostics, and medicines, aligned with the broader goal of setting up 1,139 such centres in a phased manner across Delhi. These centres are aimed at reducing the patient load on government hospitals by addressing everyday health concerns at the neighbourhood level while promoting preventive healthcare measures within communities.
Push for Timely Delivery Amid Delays
During the meeting, Dr Singh expressed dissatisfaction over delays in upgrading hospital infrastructure, issuing a stern warning to PWD officials about the consequences of negligence in healthcare projects. He reiterated that the government would ensure there is no shortage of funds when it comes to providing world-class healthcare services, from neighbourhood Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to medical colleges and government hospitals.
“Any negligence in health-related projects will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Dr Singh stated, underlining the urgency in achieving the government’s healthcare goals.
As the next round of inaugurations approaches, the focus now shifts to whether the Delhi government can maintain the current momentum and deliver on its target timelines, with the larger aim of bringing quality healthcare services closer to every household in the Capital.
