Two new medical colleges to transform the Capital's medical landscape
In a landmark move poised to redefine Delhi's healthcare landscape, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced an unprecedented allocation of Rs 12,893 crore for the health sector in the 2025-26 budget. This bold initiative underscores the government's unwavering commitment to providing accessible, high-quality medical services to all the capital's residents.
A significant portion of this substantial budget is dedicated to the implementation of flagship schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This programme aims to offer financial protection and affordable healthcare to a broader segment of Delhi's population, ensuring that quality medical treatment is not a privilege but a right for every citizen.
Chief Minister Gupta articulated a clear vision for the future, emphasising the administration's dedication to transforming Delhi's healthcare system. The focus will be on strengthening critical care services, expanding primary healthcare facilities, and modernising medical infrastructure. "Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to quality healthcare," Gupta asserted, highlighting the inclusive nature of the government's health initiatives.
In a strategic move to bolster medical education and address the shortage of healthcare professionals, the budget includes provisions for the establishment of two new medical colleges. This initiative is expected to provide high-quality medical education to Delhi's youth and create new employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, thereby enhancing the overall capacity and capability of the city's medical workforce.
Addressing the pressing issue of inadequate hospital infrastructure, the government has outlined plans to complete 24 pending hospital projects. These encompass the construction of seven intensive care unit (ICU) hospitals, four new hospitals, and the expansion of 13 existing facilities. Upon completion, these projects are projected to add an impressive 16,186 beds to Delhi's public healthcare system, significantly alleviating the current strain on medical resources and reducing patient wait times.
The budget also earmarks Rs 1,666.66 crore under the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) to enhance critical care blocks and diagnostic services. An additional Rs 320 crore is allocated for the establishment of 400 Health and Wellness Centres, known as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, aimed at providing comprehensive primary healthcare services at the community level.
In a move towards digitization and improved accessibility of healthcare services, Rs 9.92 crore has been set aside for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. This initiative seeks to digitise patient records, facilitating seamless information sharing among healthcare providers and enhancing the efficiency of medical services.
Furthermore, the government plans to establish the Delhi State AYUSH Society (DSAS) to promote alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This holistic approach aims to integrate traditional and modern medical practices, offering residents a diverse range of treatment options.
Critically, the budget addresses the current shortfall in hospital beds. According to World Health Organization (WHO) norms, there should be five hospital beds per 1,000 people. Presently, Delhi falls short with only 2.7 beds per 1,000 residents. The planned addition of over 16,000 beds is a strategic step towards meeting international standards and improving patient care outcomes.
This comprehensive health budget reflects the Delhi government's proactive approach to overhauling the city's healthcare infrastructure. By prioritising both immediate needs and long-term goals, the administration aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and efficient healthcare system that serves every citizen of Delhi, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.
