New Delhi [India], November 28 : After the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi government regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Chief Minister Atishi said on Thursday that while her government is ready to implement the scheme, there are contradictions between the facilities offered by the GNCTD and those under Ayushman Bharat.
Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi reiterated the Delhi government's readiness to implement the scheme but highlighted the limited categories covered under Ayushman Bharat.
"The Delhi government has always been committed to providing robust health facilities. We are ready to implement the core principles of Ayushman Bharat. However, there are significant contradictions between the facilities provided by Delhi government hospitals and those under the Ayushman Yojana. In Delhi government hospitals, everything is free. On the other hand, Ayushman Bharat imposes restrictions, such as denying benefits to those who own a refrigerator, a vehicle, or a concrete house. It also caps the financial assistance at Rs5 lakh per family. If two family members are ill simultaneously, one may not receive benefits. We do not want to compromise free medical care. Therefore, we have instructed the health department to explore ways to implement the Ayushman Yojana without disadvantaging anyone," she said.
The Delhi High Court issued the notice on Thursday in response to a PIL filed by all seven Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs from Delhi.
Additionally, CM Atishi alleged a conspiracy against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, claiming his arrest was intended to disrupt the governance and development work he had initiated as Chief Minister.
"Arvind Kejriwal was released from jail, and now all work is proceeding on a 'war footing.' Many key decisions were taken during the cabinet meeting, including the resumption of the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, which aims to tackle pollution," Atishi stated.
She further emphasised the AAP government's decade-long efforts to improve Delhi, introducing innovative policies to make the city ultra-modern. She accused other parties of failing to implement similar initiatives in their states and conspiring to halt the progress led by Arvind Kejriwal.
"When Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, pensions were halted, salaries were delayed, and even sewer water disposal was obstructed," CM Atishi said.