AAP Criticizes PM Modi’s Remarks on Ayushman Bharat, Promotes Delhi’s Health Model as National Alternative

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has escalated its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his remarks that the Delhi and West Bengal governments refrained from implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to “political interests.”

Responding on social media, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal denounced the statement, arguing, “It is not right to do politics over people’s health.” Kejriwal urged PM Modi to consider Delhi’s healthcare model, which he suggested could deliver more tangible benefits if applied nationwide.

PM Modi’s comments, made during a gathering at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, expressed regret over the absence of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi and West Bengal. Apologizing to senior citizens in these states, Modi called it a “missed opportunity” for essential healthcare.

At a press conference, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticized Ayushman Bharat as a “scam” and claimed that only 20,000 of the listed 27,000 hospitals are operational, with the rest existing only on paper or failing to admit patients. She urged PM Modi to examine Delhi’s healthcare model, which she said offers a superior approach to accessible healthcare.

Kejriwal reiterated this stance, proposing that Delhi’s model, which prioritizes direct access to healthcare over insurance-based schemes, could be a more effective national solution. He criticized PM Modi for politicizing healthcare and called for a united approach to public health improvement, pointing to Delhi’s achievements as a possible roadmap.

This dispute underscores the growing division between the central government’s health strategy and state-specific approaches in opposition-led states like Delhi and West Bengal, highlighting the need for a cohesive national health policy that balances diverse regional needs.