Delhi government launches 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, expanding primary healthcare, digital health services, and Ayushman Bharat benefits.
Delhi Expands Primary Healthcare with 81 New Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
In a major boost to community-level healthcare, the Delhi government has inaugurated 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, significantly strengthening the city’s primary healthcare network. The launch, held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, reflects the administration’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible within neighbourhoods across the national capital.
This expansion underlines a policy shift towards preventive and primary care, reducing the burden on large hospitals while ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment for residents.
Expansion of Primary Healthcare Infrastructure
With the addition of these 81 centres, Delhi now has 319 functional Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The newly launched facilities are located in the Hari Nagar Assembly constituency, an area identified for strengthening first-contact healthcare services.
The government has reiterated its long-term goal of:
- Establishing at least 15 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in every Assembly constituency
- Expanding the network to around 1,100 centres across Delhi
These centres are designed to act as the first point of contact for citizens, offering essential healthcare services close to their homes and reducing dependence on tertiary hospitals.
Role and Services of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs function as Health and Wellness Centres under the national healthcare framework. Their core focus includes:
- Preventive care: regular health check-ups, screening for non-communicable diseases
- Promotive care: health awareness, nutrition advice, lifestyle counselling
- Primary curative care: treatment of common illnesses and minor ailments
Each centre typically includes:
- Outpatient Department (OPD) services
- Basic diagnostic and laboratory facilities
- Medicine distribution counters
- Vaccination units
- Maternal and child healthcare services
These features ensure that essential healthcare is available at the community level without long travel or long waiting periods.
Leadership Review and On-Ground Assessment
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally reviewed the clinical and administrative arrangements at the Hari Nagar Ayushman Arogya Mandir. During the visit, she assessed:
- Patient flow and OPD functioning
- Availability of medicines and diagnostics
- Staffing and service delivery standards
- Maternal and child health support systems
The review highlighted the government’s emphasis on both infrastructure quality and patient experience.
Digital Health Integration and Ease of Access
A key feature of the newly launched centres is digital health integration. The government has introduced:
- Digital patient registration systems
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
- Mobile-based OPD appointment booking
These digital tools are aligned with India’s broader digital health ecosystem and aim to:
- Reduce paperwork and manual errors
- Minimise waiting time for patients
- Improve transparency and continuity of care
Patients can now access their medical records through mobile platforms, making healthcare more efficient and user-friendly.
Alignment with Ayushman Bharat and Welfare Measures
The expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is closely aligned with the national Ayushman Bharat programme. Under this framework:
- Over six lakh residents in Delhi have already been registered
- Thousands of families have benefited from cashless treatment facilities
To widen coverage further, the Delhi government has increased the income eligibility limit for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year. This move significantly expands the beneficiary base and ensures that more low-income families can access free and subsidised healthcare services.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs serve as Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat
- Focus areas include preventive, promotive, and primary curative healthcare
- Digital health records are part of India’s National Digital Health Mission
- EWS income eligibility limits are decided by state governments under welfare schemes
- Primary healthcare reduces pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals
Parallel Health and Infrastructure Initiatives
Alongside the Hari Nagar launch, several ministers inaugurated additional Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in constituencies such as Bawana, Sonia Vihar, Bhimnagari, and Janakpuri. These centres offer enhanced services, including:
- Dental care and diagnostics
- Yoga and wellness programmes
- Planned panchakarma units in select locations
Beyond primary healthcare, the Delhi government is also:
- Upgrading major hospitals
- Expanding dialysis facilities
- Strengthening Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable medicines
- Investing in broader civic and health-linked infrastructure
Conclusion
The inauguration of 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs marks a significant milestone in Delhi’s public healthcare journey. By combining neighbourhood-level facilities, digital health systems, and expanded welfare coverage, the Delhi government is working towards a more inclusive, accessible, and preventive healthcare model. This integrated approach not only improves health outcomes but also sets a strong example for urban healthcare delivery in India.
