Arvind Kejriwal's AAP Calls Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance 'Jumla', Day After Harsh Vardhan Refers Mohalla Clinics ‘Flop’

New Delhi, June 9: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday termed the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme a 'jumla'. a day after Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan dismissed Delhi government’s mohalla clinics as ‘flop’.

Stating the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is trying to impose its Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme on the people of Delhi, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that Centre is serious about national capital’s healthcare. He demanded that the centre should land for mohalla clinics. Arvind Kejriwal Announced Free Ride for Women in Buses and Metro Without Making a Proposal, Says Hardeep Singh Puri.

Speaking on the issue, Bhardwaj said, as quoted by Indian Express, "The DDA has not allotted land for a single mohalla clinic. If Harsh Vardhan is so concerned about the well being of the people of Delhi then he should allot land for construction of mohalla clinics."

Adding on he said, "The Centre wants to impose Ayushman Bharat on Delhi. The bizarre scheme only pays for your (people’s) treatment when you fulfil certain criteria like if your income is below Rs 10,000 if you have no gas connection at your home among others. On the other hand, in Delhi government’s hospitals, everyone gets free treatment."

Earlier, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan wrote to Kejriwal, "All your fancy schemes, including the much-touted universal coverage health scheme announced more than a year ago, are still lying on the drawing boards awaiting implementation even after four and a half years. Your mohalla clinics are an utter flop and the drastic neglect of patient care in Delhi government hospitals is there for all to see."

It is to be known that Ayushman Bharat is only applicable to those with an income of less than Rs 10,000 per month. The national scheme does not cater to those who have a scooter, motorcycle, refrigerator and phone. On the contrary, people need to pay only for a few medicines that are unavailable due to their high cost, said Kejriwal in his reply to Vardhan’s letter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2019 10:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).