New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday directed district magistrates to identify and submit a list of potential locations in the city to set up Ayushman Arogya Mandirs that would deliver comprehensive primary healthcare at the grassroots.

She instructed officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to assist the district magistrates in identifying the locations.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is a component of the Union government’s Ayushman Bharat initiative. After the BJP came to power in Delhi, its government signed an MoU with the Centre earlier this month to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the city, fulfilling a major poll promise of the party.

On Tuesday, CM Gupta chaired a meeting to review the construction of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the comprehensive implementation of the Vay Vandana Yojana, with a focus on ensuring accessible health and welfare services for the elderly, particularly those above 70 years.

During the meeting, she announced that the distribution of health cards under the Vay Vandana Yojana will begin on April 28 at the Thyagaraj Stadium.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to building a healthier capital, the chief minister directed district magistrates to make a list of potential locations for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and submit it by Wednesday. She also instructed MCD and DDA officials to assist in identifying suitable spaces.

The government plans to establish 1,139 Arogya Mandirs across Delhi, with around 15 centres in each Assembly constituency. These centres will offer general health consultations, awareness programs, primary treatment, and preventive medicines.

Sharing details of the Vay Vandana Yojana, Gupta said each registered senior citizen will receive a health card containing their complete health record, regular check-up data, and emergency health information.

“All health check-ups for citizens aged 70 years and above will be provided free of cost in Delhi. This age group requires special care, and the government is fully accountable for ensuring they receive timely and quality healthcare,” Gupta said.

She added that all elected representatives have been instructed to prepare a list of citizens aged 70 and above in their respective constituencies to facilitate targeted outreach and service delivery.

The registration process for the scheme will begin on April 28 at district offices and locations identified by elected representatives.

So far, 1,69,000 Ayushman cards have been issued and are being distributed. CM Gupta urged elected representatives to support the distribution process and ensure that no eligible citizen is left behind.

Terming the scheme “not just a government programme but a symbol of respect and gratitude towards the elderly,” Gupta reaffirmed her government’s commitment to the well-being of senior citizens.

Health Minister Pankaj Singh, Law Minister Kapil Mishra, the Chief Secretary, MCD Commissioner, DDA Vice Chairperson, and senior officials from the Health and Social Welfare departments were also present at the meeting. PTI NSM NSD NSD