PM-ABHIM Delhi MoU: Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure in Delhi

The Government of Delhi is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Government for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) on March 18, 2025. This move aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services in the national capital. The agreement will ensure that Delhi receives financial and logistical support to improve its public health facilities, disease surveillance, and emergency response systems.

Significance of PM-ABHIM for Delhi

PM-ABHIM is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to bolster India’s health infrastructure, particularly in urban and rural areas. By signing the MoU, Delhi will gain access to central funds and technical assistance, helping to bridge existing healthcare gaps. The initiative focuses on primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, with a special emphasis on emergency preparedness and pandemic response.

Key Components of PM-ABHIM in Delhi

1. Strengthening Public Health Institutions

Under this mission, urban and rural health centers will receive infrastructural upgrades. New Integrated Public Health Labs will be established in various districts to improve disease diagnostics and surveillance.

2. Expansion of Critical Care Facilities

The mission will facilitate the development of critical care hospital blocks in government hospitals to ensure that Delhi is equipped to handle pandemics and health emergencies effectively.

3. Digital Health Ecosystem

Delhi’s healthcare system will be integrated into the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), ensuring electronic health records (EHRs) and improved healthcare accessibility.

4. Disease Surveillance and Pandemic Preparedness

New disease surveillance units will be set up under the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) to enhance real-time monitoring of communicable diseases.

Why This News is Important?

1. Enhanced Healthcare Infrastructure

The signing of this MoU will enable Delhi to improve healthcare facilities, ensuring better medical services and emergency response mechanisms for its residents.

2. Support for Public Health Initiatives

By participating in PM-ABHIM, Delhi will receive financial and infrastructural aid, allowing public health initiatives to expand and reach underprivileged sections of society.

3. Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness

The post-COVID-19 era has emphasized the need for robust healthcare infrastructure. This initiative will help Delhi enhance critical care facilities and disease surveillance mechanisms to manage future health crises.

Historical Context

1. Launch of PM-ABHIM

PM-ABHIM was launched in October 2021 as part of India’s largest health infrastructure initiative. It aims to develop a resilient public health system with a total outlay of ₹64,180 crore.

2. Previous Healthcare Reforms in Delhi

Delhi has undertaken various health reforms, including the Mohalla Clinics initiative, which provides free primary healthcare services to residents. The integration of PM-ABHIM is expected to complement and strengthen existing healthcare programs in the city.

Key Takeaways from Delhi’s MoU with Centre for PM-ABHIM

FAQs Related to PM-ABHIM and Delhi’s MoU

1. What is PM-ABHIM?

PM-ABHIM (Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched to strengthen India’s health infrastructure, particularly in response to future health emergencies.

2. How will PM-ABHIM benefit Delhi?

The scheme will enhance public healthcare facilities, establish critical care hospitals, and integrate Delhi into the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) for improved medical services.

3. What role does the Centre play in PM-ABHIM?

The Central Government provides funding, technical support, and policy direction, ensuring effective implementation of healthcare projects at the state level.

4. When will Delhi sign the MoU for PM-ABHIM?

Delhi is scheduled to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre on March 18, 2025.

5. What are the major components of PM-ABHIM?

The key components include public health infrastructure enhancement, critical care hospital blocks, disease surveillance, and digital health integration.

Some Important Current Affairs Links