Kejriwal Responds to Modi's Criticism of Delhi’s Healthcare System

Arvind Kejriwal condemned Prime Minister Modi's critique of Delhi's healthcare, advocating for the city’s health model over the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He emphasized that Delhi provides comprehensive free medical treatment and questioned the effectiveness of the central program, labeling it impractical and ineffective for the needy.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Delhi and West Bengal. Modi expressed disappointment at the state of free healthcare for the elderly, attributing the failures to political interests from the respective state governments.

During a public event at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Modi stated, “I apologize to all elderly aged above 70 years in Delhi and West Bengal. I hear your pain, but due to the state governments' decisions, I cannot help you.” This prompted Kejriwal to respond, emphasizing that discussing public health in political terms is inappropriate.

In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal urged Modi to study the healthcare model of Delhi, which he believes effectively provides free medical treatment to all residents. He claimed that the Delhi government covers all healthcare costs, regardless of the treatment’s price. He also challenged the effectiveness of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, arguing that he has yet to meet anyone who has benefited from it. Kejriwal promised to share a list of beneficiaries from the Delhi government's health initiatives to support his claims.

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The Delhi Health Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, echoed Kejriwal's sentiments, labeling Ayushman Bharat a “failed” scheme, citing that patients from states where the program is implemented often seek treatment in Delhi hospitals. Bharadwaj asserted that Delhi’s health schemes offer more effective solutions than those provided by the central government. AAP leader Sanjay Singh added that the scheme is impractical, as many people are ineligible for its benefits due to income restrictions.