BJP MPs Urge Delhi Government to Implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Seven BJP MPs have petitioned the Delhi High Court seeking enforcement of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi, highlighting a breach of constitutional rights due to the government's inaction. They emphasize the urgent need for equal healthcare access, as promised in the 2020-2021 budget speech.

In a significant legal move, seven BJP Members of Parliament have approached the Delhi High Court, petitioning for a directive that would compel the Delhi Government to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) within the National Capital Territory. The MPs argue that the implementation would ensure parity in healthcare access for Delhi residents.

According to the plea, these lawmakers, representing Delhi in the 17th Lok Sabha, express their dual concern as both policymakers and residents. They stress that the non-implementation of AB-PMJAY is a breach of commitments made by the Delhi Government in the 2020-2021 budget. Furthermore, they point out that this failure violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which safeguard equality and the right to life.

The petition underscores the significance of AB-PMJAY, introduced in 2018 as the flagship health scheme of the Central Government. With a provision of Rs 5 lakh health coverage per family annually for hospital care, the scheme has been adopted by 33 states and union territories, excluding Delhi. The MPs highlight this anomaly as a critical lapse, denying vulnerable groups in Delhi of necessary health protection. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)