Delhi Government Rejects Ayushman Bharat, Cites Superior State Healthcare

AAP government argues in court that implementing the central scheme would downgrade existing health benefits for Delhi residents.

The AAP government has opposed implementing the central Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Delhi, calling it unsuitable and inferior to state programs.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj stated in a court affidavit that the scheme relies on outdated 2011 Census data, making it inadequate for current needs.
The Delhi government claims its existing healthcare programs, such as the Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme, offer broader and more inclusive coverage than Ayushman Bharat.
Seven BJP MPs petitioned the Delhi High Court to enforce the implementation of Ayushman Bharat, which they argue would benefit residents currently excluded from state schemes.
The AAP has alleged that the petition is politically motivated, timed to influence upcoming Delhi assembly elections, and an attempt to impose central policies on the state.