Jain Calls Closure a Severe Blow to Healthcare Accessibility in the Capital
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain on Friday sharply criticized the BJP-led Delhi government’s decision to close down 250 mohalla clinics, terming it a move that would severely disrupt healthcare services in the city.Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Jain expressed grave concern over the potential shutdown, arguing that the number of these neighbourhood clinics should be expanded instead of being reduced. Mohalla clinics were initially introduced by the previous AAP administration in October 2015, aiming to provide accessible and affordable primary healthcare close to people’s homes.
Jain emphasized the significant role played by mohalla clinics, highlighting their provision of essential medical services including doctor consultations and 365 types of free diagnostic tests. The objective behind setting up these clinics was to prevent residents from having to travel long distances to hospitals, ensuring timely medical care near their homes.
Shutdown Decision Could Impact Thousands Daily
Currently, Delhi has 550 operational mohalla clinics that serve an average of 7,500 patients daily. Jain warned that shutting down nearly half of these would be a "grave mistake," severely harming Delhi's healthcare system and disproportionately affecting the city’s most vulnerable populations."The government should be expanding mohalla clinics, not shutting them down. This is a serious setback for the people of Delhi," Jain stated, strongly urging the BJP government to reconsider its decision. "We are requesting them not to shut down even a single clinic," he added.
Jain Refutes Claims of Fraudulent Activities
Addressing questions regarding the clinics operating from rented premises, Jain rejected this as a baseless pretext to dismantle the initiative. He highlighted that numerous government departments function from rented buildings, accusing the BJP government of intentionally undermining the city's healthcare infrastructure.The reaction from Jain comes a day after Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced at a separate press conference the immediate closure of around 250 mohalla clinics. Singh had alleged that these particular clinics existed only on paper, were located on rented properties, and their rent expenses were being fraudulently misused.
"Around 250 mohalla clinics exist only on paper and are on rented land, with the rent expenses being misused. An order has been passed to shut down such clinics with immediate effect," Singh had announced.
The decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from AAP, which continues to defend mohalla clinics as a cornerstone of accessible healthcare in Delhi.