Rs 10 lakh health cover for Delhiites: Rekha Gupta's cabinet approves Ayushman Bharat with top-up

On February 20, 2025, Rekha Gupta held her first cabinet meeting as Delhi's Chief Minister and announced the approval of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This decision comes after the previous AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal had opposed its implementation in the capital. Gupta emphasized that this scheme would provide essential health coverage to residents and stated, “With a ₹5 lakh top-up from the Delhi government, the scheme will now be implemented.”

Addressing Pending Reports

In aAyushmanto discussing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Gupta's cabinet meeting also focused on tabling 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports that were not addressed by the previous administration. Gupta highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in governance by stating that these reports would be presented during the first session of the Delhi Assembly.

The Political Context

The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable families across India. The previous AAP government had argued that implementing this scheme would undermine existing healthcare initiatives in Delhi. However, Gupta’s administration is now poised to enhance healthcare access and improve services for residents.

Community Impact and Future Plans

With the approval of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, an estimated one lakh beneficiaries are expected to be enrolled initially. The government plans to merge existing health schemes with this initiative to ensure broader coverage and support for underprivileged communities. This move is seen as a crucial step towards addressing healthcare inequities in Delhi.

Conclusion: A New Direction for Healthcare in Delhi

As Rekha Gupta's administration embarks on this new journey with the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and other health initiatives, there is hope for improved healthcare access and quality for Delhi residents. The focus on transparency through CAG reports and commitment to public welfare signals a proactive approach by the new government in addressing pressing healthcare challenges in the capital.