Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh announced on Thursday that around 250 mohalla clinics operating from rented accommodations across the city will be shut down. Singh cited allegations of fraud and unnecessary expenditure on rent as the primary reasons for the closures.
“Mohalla clinics are a fraud. More than 250 such clinics will be shut down as they don’t work. We will work on our government land. An order has been passed to shut down such clinics to curb corruption,” Singh said.
The decision comes amid a broader overhaul of Delhi’s healthcare system. Singh also announced that the registration process for the Ayushman Bharat scheme will commence after March 8, marking a significant shift in healthcare access for residents. The central government’s flagship scheme was approved by the Delhi Cabinet on February 20.
The move sparked strong reactions from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh criticised the decision, alleging that the BJP-led government was dismantling welfare schemes initiated by AAP.
Taking to X, Atishi wrote, “Before the elections, Arvind Kejriwal had warned that if the BJP wins, then mohalla clinics, schools, free electricity-water-bus travel will all be stopped. Modi ji claimed that nothing will be stopped. Today, Arvind Kejriwal’s words came true. The BJP government is going to shut down mohalla clinics. This is just the beginning. Soon free electricity, free water, free bus travel for women, free education – everything will stop…Keep watching.”
Meanwhile, Singh reiterated that the Delhi government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under the scheme, approximately 6.54 lakh of Delhi’s poorest families will receive health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh. The Delhi government has pledged an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage for eligible beneficiaries, effectively doubling the insurance amount for those in need.