New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is set to consult the Delhi government regarding the future of Mohalla Clinics in the city. The key focus of the consultation will be whether these clinics can be converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), an initiative under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme (AB-PMJAY).
The Ministry is expected to gather a report from Delhi’s newly appointed Health Minister on the current state of the Mohalla Clinics. The report will help determine if these clinics can be integrated into the Ayushman Arogya Mandir framework, which adheres to the guidelines set by the AB-PMJAY.
Potential Conversion to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
If the Mohalla Clinics are converted into AAMs, they would need to align with the service delivery protocols of Ayushman Bharat. This would include screening for common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cervical, breast, and oral cancers, as part of the services offered. The AAMs are a part of a nationwide effort to expand primary healthcare services and improve accessibility to secondary and tertiary care for economically vulnerable populations.
Allegations of Corruption and CBI Probe
The MoHFW’s decision comes amidst concerns raised over allegations of corruption within the Mohalla Clinics. In January 2025, Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations that fake diagnostic tests were being prescribed at Mohalla Clinics to benefit private labs. This investigation could play a role in deciding whether these clinics can be converted into AAMs.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme Overview
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship healthcare scheme aimed at providing health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalization to 55 crore beneficiaries. The scheme covers the economically vulnerable population, particularly the bottom 40% of India’s population.
In addition to the standard benefits, the scheme has recently been expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above, providing health cover irrespective of their socio-economic status.
As of January 31, 2025, a total of 1,76,141 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across India, furthering the scheme’s reach.
Challenges with AB-PMJAY in Delhi and West Bengal
While the Delhi government and West Bengal have not yet implemented the AB-PMJAY scheme, it continues to gain traction in other states. The conversion of Mohalla Clinics into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs could be a step towards better integration of Delhi’s healthcare system with the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
The MoHFW’s consultation with Delhi’s health ministry will determine the viability of such a conversion and the alignment of Mohalla Clinics with national healthcare standards under the Ayushman Bharat framework.
