With the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) set to be implemented in the Capital within the next two weeks, health department officials have been directed to identify spaces for setting up Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, aimed at providing essential healthcare services to the public. As per media reports, the officials said that they have received instructions from the health minister to initiate work on the operations of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Currently, we are in the preliminary stages, analyzing data to determine how many Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics can be converted into these new health centers,” a health department official said.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will offer free medical consultations, medicines, and diagnostic services. All 11 district magistrates (DMs) have been asked to identify government-owned properties in their respective areas for the establishment of these centers.
“The government plans to phase out mohalla clinics operating on private rented properties and replace them with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on government-owned land. This move is intended to enhance transparency in healthcare delivery and ensure that community health centers function efficiently. The DMs will submit details of available government properties within the next few weeks,” the official added.
PM-ABHIM, a central government initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 25, 2021, aims to strengthen the public healthcare system to combat pandemics, disease outbreaks, and health emergencies. The scheme focuses on enhancing primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare infrastructure across the country.
The official further assured that while mohalla clinics operating on private premises are being phased out, efforts will be made to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for Delhi residents. By relocating healthcare facilities to government properties, the initiative aims to make basic health services more accessible, particularly in underserved areas. Initially named Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers, these facilities were rebranded as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs by the Union Health Ministry in 2024. As of July 2024, 173,881 such centers have been operationalized across the country.
