The Delhi Government on Sunday appointed over 1,300 new nursing officers and launched Ayushman Bharat registration vans to strengthen the healthcare system in the national Capital.  The event was attended by BJP president JP Nadda, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Health Minister Pankaj Singh, and other senior ministers. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta sharply criticised the previous Government, alleging that it had allowed the Capitals health infrastructure to deteriorate significantly.  In the past, Delhis healthcare was in such a poor state that there were only 0.42 hospital beds available per 1,000 people, she said. In 38 hospitals, there were only six MRI machines and 12 CT scan machines. Patients were frequently turned away due to a shortage of medicines, she added. The chief minister further alleged widespread corruption under the Mohalla Clinics initiative. There was corruption in medicine procurement and hospital construction — 22 hospitals were announced but never completed, she claimed. Speaking on the status of Arogya Mandirs, she stated that over `1,700 crore was provided by the central Government to the previous administration over a five-year period for their construction, but the funds remained unutilised. Now, it is my responsibility to ensure that all 1,150 Arogya Mandirs are completed in the remaining months, the chief minister  said.  She added that 34 Arogya Mandirs have already been inaugurated, with several more to follow this month. We plan to add 100 Arogya Mandirs every month and aim to complete all 1,150 by March next year, she said. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh, addressing the newly appointed staff, said their contribution would be crucial in strengthening the citys healthcare system.  These nurses and health workers will become the backbone of a new, robust healthcare structure in the Capital, he said. Singh also noted that nearly 4 lakh people have been registered under Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, including more than two lakh senior citizens above the age of 70. As many as 2,258 patients have already availed treatment under the scheme, he said. BJP president JP Nadda congratulated the new appointees and termed the occasion a historic moment. After 15 years, these nursing officers have finally received job security. This was not the result of a mere Government order — it is the outcome of the people of Delhi choosing the BJP, he said.  He criticised the previous Government for its alleged inaction across departments, especially in the health sector. Nadda pointed out that `1,700 crore allocated in 2021 for improving Delhis health infrastructure remained unused by the former administration. Now, under Chief Minister Rekha Guptas leadership, it is our responsibility to ensure this amount is fully utilised in the next eight months to complete the Ayushman Mandirs, he said. Nadda also highlighted that since September 2017, the Modi Government has approved free treatment of up to `5 lakh for nearly 40 lakh residents of Delhi, particularly those living in slums and underprivileged areas.  But the previous Government blocked its implementation. Now, we are making it a reality, he added. As of July 3, 2025, 557 Nursing Officers and 20 Paramedical Officials have successfully completed document verification. This significant recruitment drive is expected to address the acute shortage of nursing and paramedical staff in Delhis hospitals to a great extent. In parallel, continuous efforts are being made to fill all existing and anticipated vacancies of doctors, nursing, and paramedical staff arising due to retirements, promotions, and the creation of new posts. These actions are being undertaken proactively and simultaneously. These vans will cover all 70 Assembly Constituencies of Delhi, facilitating registration for eligible low-income families and senior citizens. This initiative is expected to significantly expedite the generation of Ayushman Cards within the shortest possible timeframe. Each constituency has been allocated one dedicated IEC van for a duration of 30 days.

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