“Delhi’s new free health checkup scheme, launched under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, offers comprehensive medical screenings to millions. Aimed at workers, seniors, and families, it enhances accessibility through upgraded Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, providing diagnostics, consultations, and preventive care to ensure a healthier capital.”
Delhi’s Free Health Checkup Program: A Step Toward Inclusive Healthcare
In a significant push toward accessible healthcare, Delhi’s government has rolled out a transformative free health checkup scheme as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Announced on May 1, 2025, the initiative targets laborers, their families, and senior citizens, offering annual health screenings, diagnostics, and consultations at no cost. This move, spearheaded by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to bolster public health infrastructure following their landslide victory in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
The scheme builds on the success of the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), with 33 centers inaugurated across Delhi’s 70 Assembly constituencies on June 17, 2025. These upgraded facilities, rebranded from the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) mohalla clinics, provide a range of services, including free medicines, advanced diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and holistic wellness programs like yoga. Each AAM is staffed with qualified doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and support personnel, ensuring comprehensive care under 12 service packages, such as antenatal care, mental health services, and TB elimination programs.
The Delhi government has also partnered with the National Health Authority (NHA) to integrate the AB-PMJAY, offering up to ₹5 lakh in health coverage per family, with a special ₹10 lakh cover for seniors above 70 under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme. As of March 18, 2025, Delhi became the 35th state/Union Territory to adopt this flagship program, with card distribution starting on April 10. The initiative aims to cover millions of eligible households, ensuring cashless treatment across 1,961 medical procedures in 86 empanelled hospitals, including 61 private and 25 government facilities.
To support this healthcare revolution, the government has allocated ₹2,400 crore in health grants, previously unused, to establish 1,139 AAMs across the city. Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh has directed hospitals to set up critical care blocks and expand dialysis services, with over 300 machines planned for installation. Brain Health Clinics, modeled after the successful Dwarka facility, will also be established in every district to address mental health needs.
The scheme has not been without controversy. The AAP has accused the BJP of rebranding their mohalla clinics as AAMs to claim credit for existing infrastructure. Former AAP convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the move, stating that the previous government’s healthcare model had earned global recognition, including praise from former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In response, CM Gupta emphasized the enhanced services and broader reach of the AAMs, dismissing claims of mere rebranding.
Additionally, the initiative includes welfare measures for laborers, such as rest hours during peak afternoon heat and nutritious meal provisions. The government has also committed to establishing 500 Palna Kendras to support working mothers, addressing childcare challenges that often lead to income loss. These measures reflect a holistic approach to public health, prioritizing vulnerable groups like the elderly and low-income workers.
Recent developments highlight the government’s focus on infrastructure. On June 19, 2025, CM Gupta and Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena ordered repairs to healthcare centers and planned accommodations for 4,000 medical students and doctors. Meanwhile, the scheme’s implementation faces challenges, including ensuring compliance among empanelled hospitals. Reports from other states, like Uttar Pradesh, indicate issues with fraudulent claims under Ayushman Bharat, underscoring the need for stringent oversight in Delhi.
As the city moves toward a decentralized and inclusive healthcare model, the free health checkup scheme stands as a cornerstone of Delhi’s healthcare revolution. By leveraging central funding and upgrading existing facilities, the government aims to bridge gaps in accessibility, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every corner of the capital.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources like The Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and The Indian Express. Information is accurate as of July 3, 2025, and subject to change as new developments emerge. For the latest updates, refer to official government announcements.