New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta led the inauguration of 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and 17 Jan Aushadhi Kendra units on Tuesday. She formally opened the AAM at Tis Hazari and the Delhi Secretariat. Other ministers inaugurated the centres in their respective constituencies, while BJP MPs and political figures launched the remaining facilities.
In her speech at Tis Hazari, Gupta announced that AAMs would replace the mohalla clinics, offering improved healthcare services. CM confirmed AAMS would have permanent, well-equipped infrastructure, staffed by qualified medical professionals. They would offer comprehensive services, including preventive care, family planning, immunisations and essential medicines.
She criticised the mohalla clinic model, alleging it fostered corruption instead of benefiting the public. She pointed out that numerous clinics were constructed near drains, staffed by untrained personnel and outsourced all testing, resulting in financial irregularities. She also noted problems like rental costs and clinics becoming centres of antisocial activities.
She claimed that the central govt allocated ₹2,400 crore in health grants for Delhi to establish AAMs five years ago, which the previous govt didn’t use. Her govt intended to establish over 1,100 AAM centres by March next year, she said.
The AAMs will deliver extensive healthcare through 12 service packages, among them maternal vaccinations, pre and post-natal care, mental health support, elderly care, and national health programmes addressing TB, leprosy and non-communicable diseases. On-site laboratory testing will be available.
She also reiterated govt’s commitment to assuring three hospital beds per 1,000 residents in Delhi, ensuring accessible treatment for all citizens. She requested the support of lawyers at the Tis Hazari court in maintaining cleanliness, particularly addressing the issue of poster placement around court premises.
As for Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Gupta again criticised the previous govt for its reluctance to establish these centres due to their nomenclature of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana. On Tuesday, 17 such centres in govt hospitals. Operating under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, these will offer medicines and supplies at 50-80% below market rates for the benefit of patients.
At the AAM inauguration in Old Barat Ghar in Gupta Enclave, Vikas Nagar, health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “Access to quality healthcare and cleanliness is not just a promise — it is the fundamental right of every Delhiite. Our govt is ensuring that this right becomes a reality.” Dr Singh confirmed the expansion plans for healthcare, stating, “Wherever there is available govt land, we will establish more facilities to make healthcare and medical treatment more accessible to the city’s people.”
