Supreme Court pauses HC order on Ayushman Bharat rollout in Delhi

The top court's order came while hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government against the direction of the Delhi High Court.

The Supreme Court on Friday paused a Delhi High Court order that directed the AAP  government to sign an agreement with the Centre for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital.

The top court also issued notices to the Centre, AIIMS, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) after considering a petition filed by the Delhi government, which challenged the high court's directive.

Last month, the Delhi High Court had directed both the central and state governments to finalise an MoU by January 5, to ensure the central health scheme's rollout in the national capital.

In a detailed affidavit submitted to the High Court, the Delhi government has argued that the central health scheme is based on outdated data and does not suit the needs of Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the PM-ABHIM scheme, which offers Rs 5 lakh coverage per family for hospital care, would only benefit 12-15 per cent of Delhi’s population, leaving the majority without healthcare support.

“PMJAY would only benefit about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of Delhi’s population, leaving a majority without access to health benefits,” the affidavit stated.

The Delhi government also highlighted its health initiatives, including the Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme (DAK), as more inclusive. It said DAK offered better coverage with no caps on medical expenses.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva recently alleged that the AAP government blocked the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to political reasons. "I request the court to issue direction to the Delhi government because Ayushman Bharat scheme needs to be implemented for the benefit of people," news agency PTI quoted Sachdeva as saying at a joint press conference which was also attended by the BJP MPs from Delhi.