In a fiery attack on the AAP government’s health initiatives, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has put the spotlight on the much-touted Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme. Speaking at a press conference today, Bharadwaj accused the administration of failing to deliver on promises of accessible healthcare, labeling the facilities as mere ‘white elephants’ that exist only on paper.
The controversy erupted amid reports of severe shortages in essential medicines and inadequate staffing at these supposed wellness centers. Bharadwaj highlighted how patients in remote Delhi areas are still forced to travel miles for basic treatment, undermining the scheme’s core objective of doorstep healthcare. ‘This is not yoga or Ayurveda; this is a scam on the poor,’ he thundered, demanding immediate accountability from the health department.
Bharadwaj didn’t hold back, pointing fingers at bureaucratic red tape and corruption as primary culprits. He revealed data showing that over 60% of the allocated 1,000 planned Arogya Mandirs remain non-operational six months after the launch. Drawing parallels to past failures, he urged the public to see through the government’s propaganda.
As opposition voices grow louder, the government faces mounting pressure to respond. Health officials have promised audits and improvements, but skeptics like Bharadwaj remain unconvinced. With Delhi’s assembly polls looming, this health row could reshape voter sentiments. The minister concluded by vowing to push for a white paper on the scheme’s performance, ensuring transparency for every citizen.