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The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a Delhi High Court order that directed the Delhi government to sign an agreement with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for implementing the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) by January 5. This decision comes after the Delhi government filed a petition challenging the high court’s directive.
BJP Criticizes Delhi Government
The BJP has criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide better health services to citizens. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva accused the AAP government of blocking the scheme for political reasons.
Sachdeva claimed that the AAP government rejected ₹2,400 crore allocated under the central scheme, which could have been used to improve Delhi’s medical facilities. He added, “The Ayushman Bharat scheme must be implemented to benefit the people of Delhi,” urging the court to issue directions to the state government.
AAP’s Response
The AAP government has defended its stance, stating that it already provides free healthcare services to residents. According to the Delhi government, the Ayushman Bharat scheme includes restrictive eligibility criteria, which may exclude many beneficiaries.
What’s Next?
This issue has sparked a political debate between the BJP and AAP. While the BJP accuses AAP of depriving citizens of better healthcare, the Delhi government maintains that its existing free health services are sufficient.
For now, the Supreme Court’s stay provides time for further deliberation on implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi.
