New Delhi: The Health Department of the Delhi Government has ordered the shutdown of 121 mohalla clinics operating from porta cabins located within one kilometre of the newly established Aarogya Mandirs across the city. The decision has triggered strong reactions from the Mohalla Clinic Union, which warned that nearly 2,000 healthcare workers, including doctors, could lose their jobs.
Closure Order Issued by Health Department
In an official directive, Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, State Programme Officer of the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Cell (AAMC), instructed all affected clinics to complete their inventory lists by Saturday. The order directed doctors to document details of medicines, consumables, logistics, and medical equipment before handing them over to authorities. A consolidated district-wise report is to be submitted by Monday morning for review in a scheduled meeting.
Union Protests Job Losses
The Mohalla Clinic Union expressed shock over the move, claiming that no prior notice was issued to staff. Union president Jitendra Kumar said the abrupt closure would directly impact around 2,000 employees. “Earlier, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had promised that mohalla clinic staff would be absorbed into the new Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs. However, instead of fulfilling that assurance, the government has begun new recruitments and interviews, sidelining existing workers,” he said.
Previous Closures and Growing Concerns
This is not the first time mohalla clinics have faced closure. Earlier this year, 31 such clinics were shut down under similar circumstances. Healthcare workers fear that the new round of closures will completely dismantle the mohalla clinic network, which was launched under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to provide free primary healthcare services to local communities.
Doctors Allege Violation of Tribunal Order
Several doctors told The Indian Express that the government’s move violates a previous directive by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). The tribunal, in an order issued on August 21, had restrained the Delhi government from dismissing nearly 1,000 contractual employees of the AAMC before March 31, 2026, without providing a two-week notice period. The doctors claimed they were not given the mandatory notice before the closures.
CAT’s Directions on Staff Protection
According to the CAT order, if the government intends to terminate the services of any contractual employee before March 2026, it must issue a two-week notice. The tribunal also asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit on the issue of regularising the existing workforce engaged in the mohalla clinics.
Legal Battle Over Absorption in Aarogya Mandirs
Nearly 1,000 staff members have already approached the CAT, seeking directions to be absorbed into the Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs—health facilities that have replaced the mohalla clinics. The petitioners argued that the new health centres should retain the experienced workforce that had been providing essential medical services under the AAP’s healthcare initiative.
Impact on Primary Healthcare Services
The closure of 121 clinics is expected to significantly impact access to primary healthcare in several localities, particularly in low-income areas that relied on these clinics for free consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests. Public health experts have raised concerns that the abrupt shutdown could disrupt essential medical services for thousands of daily patients.
Summary:
With the Delhi government moving ahead with the closure of mohalla clinics near Aarogya Mandirs, tensions have escalated between the administration and healthcare workers. The issue now hinges on compliance with the CAT’s order and the government’s next steps regarding absorption, employment, and continuity of public health services in the national capital.
