The Supreme Court on Friday paused a Delhi High Court order that directed the Delhi government to sign an agreement with the Centre for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital.
The top court's order came while hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government against the direction of the Delhi High Court, that directed the AAP government to sign an MoU with the Centre for the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
While appearing before the Supreme Court, Delhi government's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said that the High Court re-defined the power-sharing between the Centre and Delhi governmnet.
"They can’t force me. How can the High Court force me on policy matters to sign MoU with the central government?" Singhvi said while appearing before the top court.
The Delhi government has opposed the implementation of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital, saying that it would "amount to downgrading the healthcare initiatives already in place".
Under the government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), seniors above the age of 70 are entitled to cashless health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
It covers hospitalisation expenses for a wide range of conditions, including major surgeries, chronic illness treatments, and specialised healthcare services that tend to become more essential as one ages.
Once enrolled, beneficiaries can access treatments without paying out-of-pocket at empanelled hospitals.
The scheme covers more than 1,500 procedures, including knee and hip replacements, cardiac surgery, and cancer treatments.
Covers secondary and tertiary care, helping older adults manage both minor and critical conditions.
Source: India Today