‘Centre Pays Only 60%’: Delhi Government Moves SC Against Implementation Of Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s order directing it to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The High Court had instructed the Delhi government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre by January 5 to roll out the scheme. In response, the Delhi government argued that health is a matter under its jurisdiction and it cannot be forced into an agreement with the Centre.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih issued a notice in the case after hearing arguments from senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government. The Supreme Court also put an interim stay on the High Court’s order. Singhvi contended that the Centre’s powers concerning Delhi are limited, and the High Court’s direction seemed to imply that health is under the Centre’s jurisdiction, which is not the case.

Last month, the Delhi High Court had noted that 33 states and Union Territories had already implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and it would be wrong for Delhi to not do so. While arguing before the Supreme Court, Singhvi further stated that the Centre contributes 60 percent to the scheme, while the state is required to contribute 40 percent. He argued that the Delhi government cannot be forced into signing a deal under such conditions.

The Delhi government has consistently maintained that it already runs the Delhi Aarogya Kosh scheme, which it claims is superior to the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this scheme, Delhi residents can avail free treatment at state-registered private hospitals, making the implementation of Ayushman Bharat unnecessary.