As tensions escalate along India’s western front, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a high-level emergency preparedness meeting with Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and top health officials on Friday at the Delhi Secretariat. The objective was to review the readiness of government hospitals in the national capital to respond to any medical emergencies.
“Our government hospitals are fully prepared for any situation,” CM Gupta assured. “We’ve taken updates from all medical directors (MDs) and are closely probing any staff or medicine shortages.”
She confirmed that all incoming patients will be eligible for free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the Ayushman Vay Vandan Scheme, ensuring no delay or denial of critical care.
Ayushman Vay Vandan Scheme Activated
The meeting came shortly after NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal announced the rollout of the Ayushman Vay Vandan Yojana, which was described as a key promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi’s elderly population.
“The scheme will offer health benefits of up to ₹10 lakh per eligible beneficiary. Senior citizens aged 70 and above will now have access to comprehensive health coverage,” Chahal told media on April 28.
The Delhi government has allocated ₹2,140 crore to implement the scheme, providing a crucial social safety net amid heightened national security concerns.
Broader Coordination With Centre
On Thursday, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also met CM Rekha Gupta to discuss long-standing infrastructure bottlenecks in Delhi, including water supply, road development, land issues, traffic congestion, and DDA coordination.
“The national capital has faced multiple challenges for the last 15 to 20 years due to governance gaps,” said Khattar. “But under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, the entire cabinet is now working proactively to resolve these issues.”
He lauded Gupta’s collaborative governance style, emphasizing the importance of Centre-state synergy to overcome systemic hurdles in Delhi’s urban planning and civic development.