Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centre’s controversial Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, accusing him of exploiting the vital issue of public health in Delhi for political gain.
His sharp remarks on Tuesday were prompted by Modi’s recent criticism of the Delhi and West Bengal governments, whom he accused of obstructing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat initiative due to “political interests” that undermine healthcare access.
In a pointed observation, Modi expressed disappointment regarding the quality of free healthcare available to the elderly populations in both Delhi and West Bengal, referring to the situation as a significant missed opportunity to address the needs of senior citizens effectively.
While addressing a public gathering at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Ayurveda, Modi stated, “I apologise to all the elderly aged above 70 years in Delhi and West Bengal. I hear your pain, but due to the state governments’ decisions, I cannot help you.”
In response to Modi’s accusations, Kejriwal firmly stated that misrepresenting the issue of public health and engaging in political theatrics is fundamentally inappropriate.
In a detailed post on X, Kejriwal challenged the Prime Minister to familiarize himself with the Delhi model of healthcare, suggesting that adopting this successful approach could supersede his government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme and deliver genuine benefits to citizens nationwide. He further claimed that in his experience, he has yet to encounter a single individual who has benefitted from treatment through the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
“Pradhan Mantri ji, Speaking wrongly over public health issue and indulging in politics on it is not right…,” Kejriwal wrote, emphasizing the need for a more sincere discourse on healthcare.
Kejriwal highlighted that under the Delhi government’s healthcare scheme, every resident is entitled to free medical treatment, with the government covering the entire cost—ranging from a ₹5 prescription pill to treatments that can reach ₹1 crore.
He also extended an offer to supply a list of thousands of beneficiaries of the Delhi government’s health scheme to substantiate his claims.
The AAP national convenor raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, citing findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that revealed numerous irregularities within it.
In support of Kejriwal’s assertions, Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Ayushman Bharat is a “failed” scheme, asserting that numerous underprivileged patients from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where the scheme has been implemented, flock to Delhi hospitals for necessary surgeries.
“The Delhi government hospitals provide free treatment unlike the paid treatment provided in BJP-ruled states. Delhi government health schemes are far more effective than Ayushman Bharat scheme,” Saurabh Bharadwaj asserted, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also labeled the central scheme as “impractical,” stating, “If you own a refrigerator, a motorcycle, or have an income above ₹10,000, you cannot avail of Ayushman Bharat benefits,” highlighting the scheme’s limitations and the need for more inclusive healthcare solutions.
**Interview with Arvind Kejriwal, Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Kejriwal. Recently, you’ve strongly criticized Prime Minister Modi over the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Can you elaborate on your concerns?
**Kejriwal:** Thank you for having me. My primary concern is that the Prime Minister is using public health as a political tool. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, while it may appear beneficial on the surface, has not provided meaningful assistance to many citizens, including the elderly. I have yet to meet anyone who has directly benefited from it. Instead of focusing on real solutions, there seems to be a focus on blame and theatrics.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Modi expressed disappointment regarding healthcare access for the elderly in Delhi. How do you respond to his comments about state governments hindering the Ayushman Bharat initiative?
**Kejriwal:** It’s easy to throw around accusations without understanding the ground realities. The healthcare model we’ve developed in Delhi has been effective and could serve as a better example than Ayushman Bharat. Rather than apologizing to the elderly, the Prime Minister should look at how we can collaborate to improve health services for everyone.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the Delhi model of healthcare. What do you believe sets it apart from the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
**Kejriwal:** The Delhi model is built on accessibility and quality of care for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. We ensure that healthcare is not just a scheme but a fundamental right. Our approach prioritizes preventive care, quality services, and comprehensive coverage, which I believe could greatly enhance what is currently being offered under Ayushman Bharat.
**Editor:** You also challenged the Prime Minister directly to learn about the Delhi healthcare model. What do you hope to achieve with that challenge?
**Kejriwal:** I hope to initiate a constructive dialogue about healthcare in India. The issues we face are not just political; they are about the lives of millions of people. If the Prime Minister is genuinely interested in improving health outcomes, he should be willing to listen, learn, and adapt strategies that work effectively on the ground.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Kejriwal. As this debate continues, it will be interesting to see how both sides respond to the challenges in India’s healthcare system.
**Kejriwal:** Thank you. It’s crucial that we prioritize the health and well-being of our citizens above any political gain.
