Ayushman Bharat Struggles in Delhi: Only 9,254 Patients Treated Six Months After Launch

Six months after its much-publicised launch in Delhi, the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme is grappling with low uptake, limited hospital participation, and questions over its financial viability.

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Low Utilisation Despite High Card Issuance

Since its rollout on April 10, 2025, the Delhi government has issued 4,99,230 Ayushman cards targeting the city’s poor, vulnerable populations, and senior citizens. However, only 9,254 patients have availed treatment under the scheme, highlighting a substantial gap between outreach and actual utilisation.

“Despite the numbers on paper, the scheme’s impact remains limited due to low participation from major hospitals,” an official from the State Health Agency said.

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Private Hospitals Hesitant

Of Delhi’s over 1,200 private hospitals, only 166 facilities have signed up to provide treatment under Ayushman Bharat. Many large corporate hospitals have termed the scheme financially unviable, citing low reimbursement rates and administrative hurdles.

“One of the biggest roadblocks has been the reluctance of top-tier hospitals to join. Without them, a large segment of poor and vulnerable populations remains without access to quality care,” the official added.

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Government Response and Challenges

While the scheme aims to deliver inclusive healthcare coverage, experts warn that limited hospital participation threatens its effectiveness. Senior citizens, initially prioritised for card issuance, are among those most affected by restricted service availability.

Officials say the government is exploring incentives to attract more private hospitals and simplify administrative procedures, but results remain uncertain.

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Broader Implications

The struggle of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi underscores broader challenges in public health insurance initiatives in India. Without robust private sector engagement, even well-funded schemes risk low penetration, limited patient access, and underutilisation, raising questions about sustainability and long-term impact.