‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will provide doorstep access to diagnostic tests'
As the BJP government in Delhi completes its first 100 days, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh highlights a raft of health sector developments, most notably the upcoming launch of 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). In an interview with The Hindu, he says AAMs will provide doorstep access to health care. Excerpts:
How will Ayushman Arogya Mandirs differ from Mohalla Clinics?
About 80% of patients visit clinics and hospitals for minor issues, and around 20% have critical issues. With 14 routine screening tests, AAMs will provide access to diagnostic tests, including blood sugar, HIV, dengue, malaria, and syphilis along with pre- and post-natal care. Mothers will receive prenatal and postnatal care, and yoga sessions will be held twice a week. I want the public to go and see for themselves what has changed.
Mohalla Clinics had four employees each. Will they be retained?
Each AAM will have 6-7 staff, including medical and paramedical professionals, a pharmacist, a data entry operator, and a yoga instructor. The Chief Minister has already assured that nobody will be removed. All those who are eligible and work hard will not be rendered jobless.
Apart from Ayushman Bharat and AAMs, what are the other key achievements?
The number of dialysis machines has doubled to 300. Previously, people waited days for a dialysis appointment. That is no longer the case. Additionally, each hospital now has its own dedicated Medical Superintendent, replacing the earlier system where one oversaw five. We are addressing hospital shortages.
How much of the staff shortage problem has been addressed?
When I took charge, there was a 21% staff shortage. The dossier for doctors and nurses is out. That is now down to 7–8%, and will be addressed completely within 1–2 months.
What are your plans for the city's health care in the next few months?
Stress is very common among residents of Delhi. We are planning to set up integrated stress management centres combining Ayurvedic Panchakarma with allopathy within hospitals. We will also revamp the infrastructure so patients won't need to wait in queues. Appointments will be streamlined, and medicine shortages will be eliminated at the Arogya Mandirs.
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