As Delhi gears up for upcoming Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday unveiled the ‘Sanjivni Yojna’ a new healthcare initiative promising free medical treatment for residents over 60 years of age, contingent on the party’s re-election. The scheme, aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare to senior citizens, will see door-to-door registration by AAP volunteers starting within two to three days.
Kejriwal announced the scheme at the AAP headquarters, emphasizing its significance for Delhi’s elderly population. “If we are re-elected, we will ensure that Sanjivni Yojna is implemented as our top priority,” Kejriwal stated, reinforcing AAP’s commitment to healthcare accessibility.
The announcement comes shortly after criticism from the Delhi High Court, which questioned the AAP government’s refusal to implement the centrally sponsored Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This national scheme provides healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care, already operational in 33 states and Union Territories.
Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj defended AAP’s stance, labeling Ayushman Bharat as inadequate compared to Delhi’s existing model. He argued that the scheme leaves patients vulnerable by capping benefits at ₹5 lakh, even in government hospitals. In contrast, Bhardwaj highlighted that Delhi government hospitals offer unlimited free treatment, including tests and medicines, ensuring no financial barriers for any patient.
Bhardwaj also cited data showing that nearly 50% of patients in Delhi government hospitals come from BJP-ruled states, indicating dissatisfaction with the central scheme. He stressed that AAP’s healthcare model better serves the needs of the poor by providing unrestricted access to medical care.
As the registration drive for ‘Sanjivni Yojna’ begins, the electoral battle lines are drawn, with healthcare emerging as a critical issue in the upcoming elections. The AAP leadership remains steadfast in its mission to offer what they believe is a more inclusive and practical healthcare solution for Delhi’s residents.
