New Delhi, March 2, 2025: The Delhi government is set to launch a series of reforms aimed at transforming the city’s healthcare system, with a focus on hospital infrastructure, management, and workforce improvements, announced Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. These reforms are expected to address long-standing challenges and improve service delivery across government healthcare facilities.
In an exclusive interview, Singh revealed plans to introduce pilot projects that will enhance healthcare services. One key initiative includes the establishment of polyclinics offering primary and secondary daycare services, while also facilitating the collection of patient data to improve care delivery.
Singh further noted that in its inaugural Cabinet meeting, the new BJP-led government approved a healthcare coverage plan, which provides each beneficiary of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with up to Rs 10 lakh. This amount will be split evenly between the Centre and the Delhi government, with both contributing Rs 5 lakh each.
Singh emphasized that strengthening healthcare in Delhi was a top priority for the BJP, aligning with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president JP Nadda. He also mentioned the government's commitment to ensuring better facilities and introducing structural reforms to meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.
Despite the availability of ICU services, the report pointed out multiple issues that continue to hamper effective patient care. These findings have further underscored the urgency of the proposed reforms.
As these reforms unfold over the coming months, they are expected to significantly improve the quality of healthcare in Delhi, addressing the critical challenges identified in the CAG report and setting the stage for long-term improvements in the city's medical services.
In an exclusive interview, Singh revealed plans to introduce pilot projects that will enhance healthcare services. One key initiative includes the establishment of polyclinics offering primary and secondary daycare services, while also facilitating the collection of patient data to improve care delivery.
Addressing Workforce Shortages
A critical aspect of the government’s healthcare reform agenda is tackling the shortage of medical professionals. Singh emphasized that the government will facilitate the recruitment of doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure better service delivery across Delhi’s hospitals.Ayushman Bharat Scheme Expansion
As part of the healthcare reforms, Singh also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Under this scheme, hospitals in Delhi will receive higher-quality medicines, which will contribute to more effective patient care.Singh further noted that in its inaugural Cabinet meeting, the new BJP-led government approved a healthcare coverage plan, which provides each beneficiary of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with up to Rs 10 lakh. This amount will be split evenly between the Centre and the Delhi government, with both contributing Rs 5 lakh each.
Phased Reforms to Strengthen Healthcare
The health minister laid out a phased approach for improving healthcare infrastructure, with the first phase focused on addressing essential reforms. Key initiatives will include the launch of polyclinics and improvements in hospital management. Singh noted that the city’s healthcare infrastructure would undergo a gradual enhancement over the next six months, with larger projects expected in the second phase of the reforms.Singh emphasized that strengthening healthcare in Delhi was a top priority for the BJP, aligning with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president JP Nadda. He also mentioned the government's commitment to ensuring better facilities and introducing structural reforms to meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.
Criticism of the AAP Government’s Healthcare Initiatives
Singh also took a critical stance on the AAP government’s healthcare initiatives, particularly the mohalla clinics, which he claimed were largely ineffective. According to Singh, 90 percent of the mohalla clinics operated in rented spaces and were either non-functional or situated in unsuitable locations. The new BJP government plans to address these deficiencies by launching structured healthcare services to replace the existing setup.Challenges Highlighted by CAG Report
The recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Delhi’s healthcare system revealed several critical issues, including the underutilization of operation theatres, shortages of staff and medicines, and funding gaps. The report also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services, particularly the lack of permanent specialist doctors, which leads to delays in surgeries—some by as much as 10 months. Additionally, the CAG identified a 21 percent staff shortage in the health department, impacting doctors, nurses, and paramedics.Despite the availability of ICU services, the report pointed out multiple issues that continue to hamper effective patient care. These findings have further underscored the urgency of the proposed reforms.
Vision for a Healthier Delhi
In his concluding remarks, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh reiterated that the government’s overarching vision is to provide a healthier life for the people of Delhi. He assured citizens that healthcare management would be closely monitored, with plans to introduce major reforms in each sector to ensure more efficient, transparent, and accessible services for all.As these reforms unfold over the coming months, they are expected to significantly improve the quality of healthcare in Delhi, addressing the critical challenges identified in the CAG report and setting the stage for long-term improvements in the city's medical services.