Transforming Healthcare: 370 Arogya Mandirs Opened by Delhi CM, AAP Renames Mohalla Clinics for a Healthier Tomorrow!
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 51 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) on February 13, 2026, marking a significant expansion in the city’s healthcare infrastructure. This initiative has brought the total number of AAMs established by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since taking power a year ago to 370. Gupta emphasized the government’s view of healthcare as an investment rather than an expense, stating, “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are not merely treatment centres; they are hubs of prevention, awareness, and trust.” She underscored that the swift establishment of 370 AAMs within just a year reflects her administration’s commitment to public health.
The BJP aims to have 1,100 AAMs operational by the end of 2026, but the announcement has sparked criticism and debate. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) denounced the BJP for allegedly “rebranding” Mohalla Clinics from its previous administration as AAMs to take credit for new healthcare facilities. The Congress party joined the conversation, criticizing both AAP and BJP for their handling of the city’s healthcare system, dubbing it “poor.”
Among the newly inaugurated AAMs, some have been revamped from existing Mohalla Clinics, while others are pending rebranding. Currently, there are 553 Mohalla Clinics in Delhi, but Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced that 250 are to be closed, with many already shut down. The remaining clinics continue to operate, albeit without the AAP branding.
During the inauguration at Fatehpur Beri village in South Delhi, Gupta reiterated her government’s focus on ensuring timely and affordable healthcare for all residents. Additionally, she launched development projects worth ₹322 crore in the Chhattarpur Assembly constituency. Gupta also inaugurated the ‘Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh’ at Chhatrasal Stadium, a month-long event featuring competitions in various sports across 17 venues.
The CM highlighted that AAMs are designed not just for treatment but also for preventive healthcare. Each centre provides access to around 80 free diagnostic tests, essential medicines, advanced diagnostic services, and cancer screenings, allowing residents to receive modern healthcare in their neighborhoods.
However, AAP’s Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP leaders of making misleading claims, asserting that many Arogya Mandirs are operating within existing health facilities, staffed by personnel who were previously working in government dispensaries. In rebuttal, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused the AAP government of disrupting services at government-run dispensaries during its 11-year tenure. He described the establishment of AAMs and their connection to the Central government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme as a major accomplishment of the BJP, claiming these centres offer comprehensive health check-up services compared to the limited focus of previous Mohalla Clinics.
As the medical landscape in Delhi continues to evolve, the ongoing debate over healthcare policies highlights the complexities of governance and public welfare in the capital city.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/370-arogya-mandirs-opened-delhi-cm-mohalla-clinics-renamed-says-aap/article70629242.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2026-02-14 08:55:00
