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Delhi Launches 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Offering Free Medicines, Lab Tests, and Yoga—No Ayushman Card Required
Siddhi Jain | June 18, 2025 1:15 PM CST

In a major healthcare revamp, 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) have been inaugurated across Delhi, ushering in a new era of free and improved medical services, even for those without an Ayushman card. From free medicines and diagnostic tests to yoga sessions and wellness checkups, these centers aim to provide a comprehensive healthcare experience under one roof.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first center in Tis Hazari on Tuesday. Simultaneously, 33 more centers were launched across various constituencies by BJP ministers, MPs, and local leaders. These modernized clinics are part of a rebranded initiative that transforms existing Mohalla Clinics, polyclinics, and dispensaries into upgraded, better-equipped facilities.

No Ayushman Card? No Problem.

Unlike the standard Ayushman Bharat scheme, which typically requires an Ayushman card for free hospitalization and services, these Arogya Mandirs will provide free treatment even without one. Citizens visiting the centers can access medicines, lab tests, wellness screenings, and yoga sessions at zero cost.

What’s more, Ayushman cards will also be created on-site for senior citizens aged 70 and above, enabling broader access to hospital-based benefits under the PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana).

Where Are These Centers Located?

The launch took place in multiple Delhi localities:

  • Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh inaugurated a center in Vikaspuri.

  • PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma opened one on Babar Road.

  • Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa launched a unit at DGD Chaukhandi.

  • Education and Home Minister Ashish Sood inaugurated one in Janakpuri.

  • Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Singh (Indra Raj) opened a center in Bawana.

  • Culture Minister Kapil Mishra launched another in Khajuri Khas.

These centers are strategically located to cater to high-density and underserved areas, expanding the city's healthcare reach.

A New Look, New Facilities

A visit by TOI revealed significant improvements in infrastructure:

  • Freshly painted walls with informative signboards

  • Comfortable seating arrangements with fans and coolers

  • Modern furniture and cabinets filled with essential medicines

  • Clean washrooms and drinking water stations

According to officials, the facilities adhere to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022, ensuring quality in infrastructure, staffing, equipment, diagnostics, and patient care.

Operating Hours & Services

Currently, most centers will remain open from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, a temporary reduction in operating hours during final renovations. However, the Tis Hazari center runs from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and already offers advanced services, such as:

  • Cervical cancer screening

  • Prenatal and postnatal care

  • Child vaccinations

  • Emergency oxygen supply

  • Private nursing space for breastfeeding mothers

  • Access to 105 essential medicines

Once fully operational, centers are expected to resume longer working hours.


Free Diagnostic Tests for All

Healthcare services at these centers are not limited to basic checkups. A total of 14 essential diagnostic tests will be performed on-site free of charge, including:

  • Hemoglobin test

  • Blood sugar test

  • Malaria, dengue, and typhoid testing

Additionally, 79 more specialized tests—including Liver Function Test (LFT), Kidney Function Test (KFT), Lipid Profile, Thalassemia, and Thyroid function tests—can be accessed for free through partner labs.

Weekly Yoga Sessions

Recognizing the importance of holistic wellness, each Arogya Mandir will conduct yoga sessions every Monday and Thursday, promoting preventive healthcare and mental well-being.

How Do Arogya Mandirs Differ from Mohalla Clinics?

While Mohalla Clinics, launched by the Aam Aadmi Party in 2015, offered basic healthcare services like treatment for cold, fever, and cough, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs take things further. They are multi-purpose wellness centers offering diagnostics, chronic illness management, maternal care, mental health support, and elderly assistance.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature Ayushman Arogya Mandir Mohalla Clinic
Management Central Government Delhi Government
Services Primary + Preventive + Diagnostic + Wellness Basic OPD care
Target Group Urban + Rural, General Public Urban Poor
Infrastructure Upgraded with IPHS standards Portable/Basic structures
Lab Facilities 14 in-house + 79 advanced tests Basic tests only
Operating Areas Nationwide model, now in Delhi Only in Delhi & Punjab

Final Word

With 33 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs opening in a single day, Delhi’s healthcare system is set to experience a significant transformation. By offering a blend of modern medical care, diagnostics, wellness activities, and community health support, these centers bring accessible and inclusive healthcare closer to every doorstep—no paperwork, no hassle.

The initiative stands as a potential model for urban primary care nationwide, and for Delhiites, it's a welcome upgrade in public health access and service quality.


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