In a major boost to public healthcare access in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced the empanelment of 100 additional hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This move is expected to significantly widen the safety net for economically vulnerable citizens, offering cashless treatment across a broader network of facilities.
The expansion comes at a time when Delhi is rapidly aligning itself with national health infrastructure goals, and marks a strategic step toward universal health coverage in one of India’s most densely populated urban centers.
Key developments at a glance
- Delhi currently has 151 hospitals empaneled under Ayushman Bharat
- With the new additions, the total will rise to 251 hospitals across the city
- The updated list includes several high-profile private hospitals such as Fortis Healthcare
- A formal launch of the expanded panel is scheduled for the first week of September
- The move follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Union Ministry of Health earlier this year
Empanelment strategy and rollout
The National Health Authority (NHA), which oversees the implementation of AB-PMJAY nationwide, has been working closely with the Delhi Health Department to accelerate hospital onboarding. Of the existing 151 empaneled hospitals, 107 are private and 44 are government-run. The new batch of 100 hospitals is expected to include a mix of both, with a focus on expanding access in underserved zones such as North East Delhi and outer districts.
Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh confirmed that the government has cleared nearly 80 percent of pending dues under the previous Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme, which had discouraged some private hospitals from joining Ayushman Bharat. With only ₹20 crore in dues remaining, the financial bottleneck is being resolved to encourage broader participation.
Impact on healthcare access
- Beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi will now have access to over 250 hospitals for free treatment
- The scheme covers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
- Treatments include major surgeries, cancer care, cardiac procedures, and maternity services
- The expansion is expected to reduce patient load on government hospitals and improve service quality
Private sector participation
One of the most notable shifts in this expansion is the inclusion of top-tier private hospitals. Fortis Healthcare has already applied for empanelment, and discussions are underway with Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals. These institutions bring advanced infrastructure and specialized care, which will be crucial for high-risk and complex medical cases.
Challenges and policy backdrop
Despite the positive momentum, some challenges remain:
- Delays in claim reimbursements have historically discouraged private hospital participation
- Coordination between state and central health authorities needs to be streamlined
- Awareness among eligible citizens about Ayushman Bharat benefits remains low in certain pockets
To address these, the Delhi government is launching a city-wide awareness campaign alongside the hospital expansion. Community health workers and local clinics will be mobilized to educate residents about Ayushman Bharat eligibility and enrollment procedures.
Looking ahead
Delhi’s adoption of Ayushman Bharat earlier this year made it the 35th state or Union Territory to join the scheme. Since then, over ₹13,337 crore has been paid out for treatments under the program, with ₹3.75 crore contributed by the Delhi government. The upcoming expansion is expected to further deepen the scheme’s reach and impact.
As the formal launch approaches in early September, stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem are watching closely. If executed effectively, this move could serve as a blueprint for other urban centers aiming to integrate private healthcare into public welfare schemes.
Sources: Hindustan Times, MSN Health, National Health Authority (NHA)
