Latest news with #MohallaClinic
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
CM Rekha Gupta slams AAP's health model, terms 'Mohalla Clinics' a 'photo propaganda'
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing it of turning Delhi's healthcare system into a sham under the guise of reforms and populist schemes. She also criticised the previous governments in Delhi for the crumbling health infrastructure. Addressing a public event in New Delhi, CM Gupta said, "For 27 years, the people of Delhi were misled with slogans, songs, and talks of reform, while the actual healthcare infrastructure crumbled. Before our government took charge, Delhi had just 0.42 hospital beds per 1,000 people under the previous regimes. Out of 38 government hospitals, only six had MRI machines and just 12 had CT scans." Taking a veiled jibe at AAP, she said that the so-called "world-class health model" projected by the former government was nothing more than a hollow claim. "They introduced a fancy name – Mohalla Clinic – and spent crores in the name of public health. But what was the result? These clinics were built next to drains, with massive posters carrying leaders' faces but no medicines or medical staff inside," the Chief Minister claimed. She further alleged that unqualified individuals were hired to operate these clinics. "There was just one person at some centres, with no valid degree, who was paid Rs 40 per patient. His focus was not on treatment but on numbers. They claimed 200 patients visited daily, but even basic math doesn't support this - it was simply impossible given the working hours," she added. CM Gupta accused the previous administration of widespread corruption in awarding contracts, constructing hospitals, and recruiting staff. "From contracts to infrastructure, from procurement to payroll, corruption was everywhere. And this was the so-called revolution in healthcare they promised," she said. Without naming the AAP directly, Gupta said Delhiites had been fooled for years with fake models and photo ops. "Our goal is not to create noise but to bring real change. The people now realise that those before us were focused only on headlines, not healing," she said.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs unveiled
New Delhi In a major step toward strengthening the capital's healthcare system, the Delhi government inaugurated 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 17 Jan Aushadhi Kendras on Tuesday, offering citizens improved access to affordable and quality healthcare. The large-scale launch was held across multiple locations in Delhi and NCR, with various state and central government leaders participating in the ceremonial rollouts. The inauguration ceremony began at 9:00 AM and continued for about an hour, as leaders from the Delhi government and the Centre attended events at different sites. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Ayushman Arogya Mandir built behind the Delhi Bar Association office at the Tis Hazari Court complex. Simultaneously, PWD Minister Pravesh Verma inaugurated two centers—one at the dispensary on Babar Road and another at Sarojini Nagar, both located in his New Delhi constituency. The event sparked political backlash from the opposition. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the BJP of rebranding existing infrastructure rather than creating new facilities. Posting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, 'Mohalla Clinics and dispensaries built by the Kejriwal government are simply being painted and renamed as new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.' Several other leaders also participated in the statewide rollout. Tourism and Law Minister Kapil Mishra launched the Arogya Mandir in Khajuri Khas, part of his Karawal Nagar constituency. Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra unveiled the new center in Geeta Colony, East Delhi, while Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh inaugurated a facility at the old Barat Ghar in Gupta Enclave. Delhi's Home, Education and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood opened the Janakpuri center at the SS Mota Community Center in A Block. In addition, North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari inaugurated the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Yamuna Vihar B Block, and MP Praveen Khandelwal opened another one in AP Block, Shalimar Bagh. These new health centers are part of the BJP-led Delhi government's broader plan to set up 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the capital. These upgraded health units are envisioned as a more advanced alternative to the Mohalla Clinics introduced by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Unlike Mohalla Clinics, the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are equipped to offer diagnostic services, treatment for common ailments, and minor surgical procedures, providing a more comprehensive healthcare model. Speaking at the inauguration in Tis Hazari, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta did not hold back her criticism of the previous administration. She described the earlier Mohalla Clinic model as 'corrupt and inefficient,' stating that many were constructed in porta cabins where doctors were paid on a per-patient basis, allegedly leading to inflated numbers and mismanagement. She referenced findings from the CAG report, which she claimed revealed major irregularities in the AAP's healthcare programs. Gupta also pointed out that ₹2,400 crore in central government grants for Delhi's healthcare sector had been sanctioned five years ago but remained underutilized due to alleged inaction by the previous government. 'We now have just eight months to complete the work that should have been done in five years. If we fail to complete these projects by March, the funds will lapse,' she said.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Delhi govt.'s new primary healthcare centres promise more tests, less wait
Tucked inside the Tis Hazari courts complex, a yellow-painted health outpost, once a Mohalla Clinic, now wears new branding: Urban-Ayushman Arogya Mandir (U-AAM), announced through placards and signboards in Hindi and English. When a group of lawyers walk in, curious about what has changed, doctors tell them that 14 diagnostic tests, previously outsourced, are now conducted in-house. Prenatal and postnatal care, family planning services, and biweekly yoga sessions (yet to begin) are also part of the expanded offering. Upgraded care Inside the main room, handmade posters designate specific areas — a first-aid management area, a wellness space, and a breastfeeding corner, which is placed behind curtains. Smaller rooms branch off into spaces for doctors, pharmacy, registration, diagnostics, and storage. Of the two visitors, one has gastrointestinal issues and the other suffers from weakness. 'I have been coming here for minor health issues like cold and cough for years. Now, more tests are conducted here than before,' says Anil Tomar, who practises in the chambers nearby. The staff at the U-AAM, which offers free primary healthcare services, includes a doctor, a nurse, a multitask worker, and a sweeper-cum-guard. However, two doctors affiliated with the Delhi government are currently overseeing the clinic. Footfall hovers around 70-80 patients daily, according to a doctor at the facility. Quick diagnostics U-AAMs are part of the Delhi government's plan to improve the city's health infrastructure. The government has promised to set up 1,139 such clinics in phases. While some of these are revamped Mohalla Clinics started by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, many of the others are being newly built. The doctor in charge explains that tests for haemoglobin, blood sugar, malaria, and dengue now happen on-site. 'Reports here now get ready in 30 minutes, which was never seen before,' he says. Another doctor, formerly at Lok Nayak Hospital, adds that most patients come for fever, joint pain, hypertension, and diabetes. 'Earlier, people would queue for hours, losing their daily wages. Now, that will change.' Being inside the court complex, the majority of early users are lawyers, guards, and shopkeepers. However, residents from nearby areas have also begun to visit. Of the 93 diagnostic tests listed under U-AAM, 14, including cervical cancer screening, happen in-house. Seventy-nine other tests are outsourced. The nurse also handles the pharmacy and family planning, while a yoga instructor is expected to start sessions, twice a week, soon. Low awareness In Inderpuri's F Block, another U-AAM quietly functions less than a kilometre from a still-operational Mohalla Clinic. But awareness remains low. 'I haven't heard about the new clinic's benefits. We still go to the old one,' says Vishal, a resident whose house is equidistant from both. Sushma, another local, says she is fine with both the clinics. 'I just want my medicines when I need them,' she says. Meanwhile, former Mohalla Clinic employees, who are currently protesting their removal, say they have had no communication with the new U-AAM teams, who were recently posted at the facilities. -Ammar Aziz Safwi
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Scores of Mohalla Clinic staffers stage protest outside Secretariat
Mohalla Clinic staffers on Monday staged a protest outside the Delhi Secretariat amid growing concerns over job security. The protesting doctors, nurses, and multi-tasking workers demanded that they be absorbed into the upcoming Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). This decision came after the Comptroller and Auditor General report, tabled in the Assembly by the BJP, revealed shortcomings in the functioning of the clinics. According to officials, there are 553 Mohalla Clinics in the Capital, of which 70 are proposed to be upgraded into AAMs. The transformation would also lead to the shutting of over 250 clinics, said Health Minister Pankaj Singh. The protest, which began at 9 a.m. and continued till 12 noon, witnessed the staff seeking clarity on their future. Five doctors then entered the Secretariat to meet Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the Health Minister. However, when they were not available, the doctors submitted the memorandum to the health department officials. 'Our two months' salaries have been stopped so that we can be pressured. We are being made to sign no-dues forms,' read the memorandum roughly translated from Hindi. The doctors, in a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, highlighted that they were recruited through a government-led, extensive selection process. All the staff should be transferred to AAMs without any 'disruption in services', the memorandum stated, reiterating the CM's earlier assurance, made on May 16, that 'no one will be laid off'. Echoing CM's statement, Mr. Singh, last week, said that 'those who are eligible and work hard, will not be rendered jobless'. However, in a meeting on April 17, the Health Department announced that it would hire new staff, sparking concerns about job security among the Mohalla Clinic staff. While the department mentioned that existing doctors and paramedics may continue for up to a year or until new appointments are made, Monday's protestors said, 'no assurance was given'. Taking on the government's new eligibility criteria based on age limit, a 68-year-old practising doctor said, 'Under the earlier criteria, experienced doctors were given a chance to continue working after retirement. Under the new criteria that the government plans, there will be an age limit, rendering many of us jobless.' The doctor, who was among the five others who spoke to officials on Monday said, 'Officials acknowledged the memorandum but did not give us any assurance. Most clinics have been shut today, and we did not want to deprive patients, but we had no option.' A nurse, who has worked in a clinic for six years said, 'Firstly, there are not enough jobs. If we have been given a contract, based on our qualifications, we should be retained.' 'Moreover, the job is important to me because it is a day job and I have a one-year-old infant at home. If I have to move to a hospital, it will be very difficult for me to do night duty,' she said, adding that her monthly salary is approximately ₹25,000 per month.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Health revolution: First Ayushman Arogya Mandir opens today
New Delhi: Delhi's first Ayushman Arogya Mandir is now ready to begin operations from the Tis Hazari Court complex. Previously functioning as a Mohalla Clinic, the facility has now been upgraded and redesigned to offer improved healthcare services under a new format. The official inauguration will take place on May 31, led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The launch is part of a special event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking the completion of 100 days of the current Delhi government. As part of the occasion, 33 new healthcare facilities will also be introduced. The newly developed Ayushman Arogya Mandir is equipped with several features that set it apart. It offers in-house diagnostic capabilities with 14 types of medical tests now available directly at the clinic. In addition to this, outsourced testing options will enable 79 more diagnostic tests to be accessed through the centre. The facility is also integrated with the National Immunisation Programme, making routine vaccinations available on-site. In addition to this, yoga sessions will be held every Monday and Friday, and comprehensive family planning services will be offered, including pre- and post-pregnancy care. The centre will operate daily from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., and will be staffed by a medical officer, a nurse, a multipurpose health worker, and a sanitation worker. Previously, the Mohalla Clinic at the site offered only basic doctor consultations, and most tests had to be done externally. Key services like vaccination were also unavailable. Now, under the new Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir model, all essential health services are being brought under one roof. Local people are quite enthusiastic about the upcoming Arogya Mandir. The BJP government in Delhi has an ambitious plan to expand health services through these centres. This initiative by the Delhi government aims not only to enhance the quality of healthcare but also to make health services more accessible to the general public.
