Wed Oct 30 17:03:43 UTC 2024: ## Kejriwal Slams Modi’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme, Promotes Delhi’s Healthcare Model
**New Delhi:** Delhi’s former Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, calling it ineffective and riddled with irregularities. His remarks come in response to PM Modi’s recent criticism of Delhi and West Bengal for not implementing the scheme, which he claims denies free healthcare to senior citizens.
Kejriwal, in a statement posted on X, countered that Delhi’s own healthcare model offers comprehensive free treatment for all, regardless of cost. He challenged PM Modi to compare the two systems, highlighting the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) findings of irregularities within Ayushman Bharat.
“Delhi provides free treatment to every person, regardless of cost,” stated Kejriwal. “I haven’t met a single person who has benefitted from Ayushman Bharat. Instead of promoting Ayushman Bharat, I urge PM Modi to implement the Delhi model nationwide.”
AAP leaders have also accused the Ayushman Bharat scheme of failing to effectively serve the people. They claim the scheme’s eligibility criteria are restrictive, disqualifying even those owning basic appliances like refrigerators or motorcycles. Furthermore, they allege thousands of hospitals listed under the scheme are fictitious, and those providing genuine treatment are not compensated by the central government.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj echoed these criticisms, calling Ayushman Bharat a “failed scheme” and citing instances of poor patients from other states seeking treatment in Delhi hospitals due to the scheme’s inadequacies.
This public spat over healthcare policies highlights the contrasting approaches of the central and state governments. While PM Modi champions the nationwide Ayushman Bharat scheme, opposition leaders, including Kejriwal, advocate for alternative state-level models, citing their effectiveness and inclusivity.
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