Today, On 17th January, The Supreme Court temporarily issued stayed on High Court order concerning the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. This stay comes after the High Court directed changes in the scheme’s implementation. The matter will now be reviewed further by the apex court. The decision impacts the execution of healthcare benefits under the scheme in the capital.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court issued a stay on a Delhi High Court order that mandated the Delhi government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) scheme.
Additionally, the apex court issued notices to the Centre, AIIMS, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi after considering a petition from the Delhi government contesting the High Court’s ruling.
Last month, the High Court instructed both the central and state governments to finalize the MoU by January 5 to ensure the central scheme’s implementation in the national capital.
The AAP government has expressed opposition to the central scheme, arguing that the residents of Delhi benefit from “superior benefits” provided by state government initiatives.
During his appearance before the Supreme Court, the Delhi government’s attorney, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, stated that the High Court altered the distribution of authority between the Centre and the Delhi government.
Singhvi stated while appearing before the Supreme Court,
“They can’t force me. How can the High Court compel me to sign an MoU with the central government on policy matters?”
The Delhi government has opposed the rollout of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital, arguing that it would “downgrade the healthcare initiatives currently in place.”
Under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), seniors aged 70 and above are eligible for cashless health coverage of up to Rs.5 lakh per family annually.
This scheme covers hospitalization costs for a wide array of conditions, including major surgeries, chronic illness treatments, and specialized healthcare services that are increasingly necessary with age. Once registered, beneficiaries can receive treatments at empaneled hospitals without any out-of-pocket expenses.
The scheme includes over 1,500 procedures, such as knee and hip replacements, cardiac surgery, and cancer treatments, providing both secondary and tertiary care to help older adults manage minor and critical health issues.
The Ayushman Bharat Scheme is India’s main health insurance program, offering financial support for secondary and higher-level healthcare to poor families. In Delhi, its implementation has faced issues due to disagreements between the central and state governments. The disputes include funding, identifying beneficiaries, and involving private hospitals.
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