Delhi Cabinet approves Ayushman Bharat scheme with Rs 5 lakh top-up

New Delhi: The newly-elected Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with an additional Rs 5 lakh cover for low-income families. The decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting, Gupta announced in her inaugural press conference.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised the scheme’s rollout in its election manifesto, aiming to provide free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, with the state government adding another Rs 5 lakh in coverage.

Additionally, senior citizens above 70 years will receive free outpatient and diagnostic services, along with treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Gupta also confirmed that the cabinet had cleared the presentation of 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the first Assembly session.

Two of these reports had criticized the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over alleged financial irregularities, including excessive expenditure on the chief minister’s residence renovation and a Rs 2,000 crore loss due to the 2021-22 excise policy.

Responding to questions, Gupta stated that Ayushman Bharat benefits would be extended to eligible individuals after an agreement is signed with the central government.

She added that the AAP government had previously challenged the scheme in court, but the new administration has initiated proceedings to withdraw the case, paving the way for its implementation.