In a major push to expand access to healthcare for the underprivileged in the national capital, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta jointly distributed Ayushman Bharat health cards to beneficiaries at a public event on Wednesday. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, had not been implemented in Delhi under the previous AAP-led government.

However, with its launch now underway in the capital, a major chunk of the population is set to benefit from the Centre’s flagship health insurance programme.  The event, held in the heart of Delhi, saw an enthusiastic turnout as hundreds of residents received their Ayushman cards, which entitle beneficiaries to cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled public and private hospitals across India. 

Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the Centre’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. “Ayushman Bharat is not just a scheme—it is a transformative mission to ensure that no Indian is denied healthcare due to financial constraints. Today, we are taking a big step towards realising that goal for the people of Delhi,” Nadda said.  Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the importance of centre-state cooperation in implementing health reforms.

“With Ayushman Bharat now reaching the people of Delhi, we are bridging a crucial healthcare gap. This card represents not just medical assistance, but dignity and reassurance for lakhs of families,” she said.  Officials from the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Delhi health department were present to facilitate on-the-spot registration and raise awareness about the scheme. Mobile help desks and information kiosks were also set up to assist the public in understanding how to access and use their Ayushman cards. 

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health assurance programme, offering financial protection and quality healthcare to vulnerable populations. The move to implement it in Delhi is expected to extend its benefits to millions who were previously excluded. 

Health experts have welcomed the development, calling it a vital step toward universal health coverage. With increased empanelment of hospitals and a growing number of beneficiaries, the launch of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing healthcare transformation.