Delhi Govt to set up 70 Arogya Mandirs by May-end for better healthcare access

In addition to the AAM initiative, the Delhi government aims to construct 11 integrated public health labs and nine critical care hospital blocks, bolstering the city’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring modern, accessible medical care for all residents

The Delhi government is set to establish 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) across the city, with the first 70 locations finalized for immediate construction. The initiative, aimed at expanding healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, will offer free primary medical care, including consultations, diagnostics, and medications to Delhi residents. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with the construction and renovation of these centres, with a completion deadline set for May 31, 2025.

The 70 centers in the first phase are strategically distributed across all districts of Delhi. North Delhi will have six AAMs, while West Delhi will see eight, and South Delhi will have six centers. Central Delhi and North West Delhi will each have eight, and other areas, including South East Delhi, Shahdara, North East Delhi, and New Delhi, will have a mix of centers to cater to the needs of local populations.

The health department’s letter to the PWD also emphasized the importance of quick action to meet the tight deadline. “The work must begin immediately as per the guidelines for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, under the supervision of District Magistrates and coordination with Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs),” the letter noted.

Revamping clinics to enhance healthcare access

The construction of AAMs will involve renovating existing healthcare infrastructure, including Mohalla Clinics and polytechnics, which were initially set up by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. These centers aim to fill critical gaps in healthcare by providing residents with essential services at no cost.

Delhi's Health Minister Pankaj Singh highlighted the purpose of the initiative, stating, "The goal of AAMs is to make primary healthcare services accessible to every resident, in their own districts, without the need to travel long distances."

In addition to the establishment of the AAMs, the Delhi government has planned the construction of 11 integrated public health labs and nine critical care hospital blocks. These measures, along with the AAM initiative, are part of the Delhi government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the city's healthcare infrastructure and ensure that more residents benefit from modern, accessible medical care.