New Delhi: The Delhi cabinet has decided to extend the health coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to widow pension beneficiaries and persons with disabilities receiving govt pension, thus bringing nearly 5.5 lakh additional families under the Ayushman umbrella.Chief minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision, which was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by her at the secretariat on Tuesday. She described it as historic and transformative in strengthening the city’s health security, saying it will bring direct and meaningful change to lakhs of needy families.
She said the govt is firmly committed to ensuring that no poor, vulnerable, or needy Delhiite is deprived of medical treatment due to financial constraints. PM-JAY, she said, is the country’s largest health protection scheme, and Delhi govt has taken a significant step to expand it and make it more effective and inclusive.The families who will be included will join those under Antyodaya Anna Yojana and priority household categories, senior citizens above 70 years of age, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers and helpers. Calling the move a step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development, she said Ayushman Bharat has ensured health security for crores of poor families across the country, and the Delhi govt remains committed to extending its benefits to every eligible individual in the capital. According to govt data, over 7.2 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued in Delhi so far, including 2.7 lakh to senior citizens. A total of 208 hospitals, including 156 private ones, have been empanelled. More than 29,120 beneficiaries have received treatment through the state health agency in the city.
