Agreement Aims to Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure Under PM-ABHIM Initiative
New Delhi: The Delhi government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on April 5 to join the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), according to official sources. The move is part of a broader effort to bolster public health infrastructure and enhance pandemic preparedness in the national capital.
PM-ABHIM, a flagship central government scheme, aims to address critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, surveillance, and research across urban and rural areas. Launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package in the 2021-22 Union Budget, the scheme seeks to strengthen primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems to better manage pandemics, outbreaks, and health crises.
Key Objectives of PM-ABHIM:
The scheme focuses on creating a robust public health infrastructure to ensure communities are self-reliant in handling health emergencies. It is the largest pan-India initiative dedicated to improving healthcare facilities and pandemic response mechanisms.
Delhi Government’s Commitment:
During the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed Delhi government, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital. She emphasized that the Delhi government would provide a Rs 5 lakh top-up to the scheme and sign an MoU with the Centre to formalize the partnership.
Addressing a press conference, CM Gupta stated, “In the first Cabinet meeting, we discussed and passed two agendas – to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi with a Rs 5 lakh top-up and to table 14 CAG reports in the first session of the Assembly. We are committed to fulfilling all promises made to the people.”
Political Context:
The implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi was a key pre-poll promise of the BJP, which had criticized the previous AAP government for not adopting the initiative. The move is seen as a significant step toward improving healthcare access and infrastructure in the city.
Conclusion:
The upcoming MoU between the Delhi government and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare marks a pivotal moment in the city’s healthcare landscape. By aligning with PM-ABHIM, Delhi aims to enhance its capacity to tackle future health challenges while ensuring better healthcare services for its residents. The collaboration underscores the importance of central and state governments working together to achieve a healthier, more resilient India.
