‘Priority has been to first empanel smaller hospitals in Ayushman Bharat’

Better last-mile connectivity, public transport and health facilities are what minister Pankaj Kumar Singh promised to the city one year ago. Speaking to Kushagra Dixit and Abhinav Rajput, he outlined projects that he believes improved the lives of Delhiites and what the city can expect in the coming months.Q. What has changed in Delhi's health landscape and what are your key learnings in the past year? A: When I took charge of the health department, the situation was challenging. Hospitals lacked drinking water and medicines. There was shortage of staff nurses and doctors. Buildings remained under construction for over five years. We started by implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which the previous govt did not allow. This covered about 10 lakh people and over 30,000 have received treatment. Then, there were defunct tin boxes called mohalla clinics. We started new, structured Ayushman Arogya Mandir focusing on primary health care, offering over 80 medical tests. If primary screening and testing are available near a patient's home, it improves early diagnosis and reduces hospital crowding. Our efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, where we screened over 10.7 lakh people including 4.5 lakh in slums, were recognised by the Centre. Along with this, we implemented central procurement which ensured better pricing, improved quality, and timely supply of medicines, and saved money. To maintain hygiene at hospitals, we started color coded bedsheets for particular days. Q. How have Delhi's private hospitals responded to getting empanelled under Ayushman Bharat? A: Experience comes from experiences. Initially, some private hospitals were hesitant due to pending payment concerns from previous years. Smaller hospitals were especially worried about reimbursement delays. But the hospitals are now coming into the fold. One major hospital has a pending matter in the Supreme Court. But soon Fortis will be empanelled, Balaji has been added. We are in talks with Max, Maharaj Agrasen, and many other hospitals. That said, our priority has been to empanel smaller hospitals first. In emergency situations, an Ayushman card holder is more likely to visit a nearby hospital — often a smaller facility. Large hospitals generally have the capacity to absorb temporary payment delays, but smaller ones cannot afford that risk. Addressing their concerns and bringing them into the fold quickly has been central to our strategy. Q. What are the new infrastructure projects on the anvil? A: Tenders will be floated soon for 12 MRI, 20 CT scan machines and 30 ultrasound machines for different govt hospitals. Establishment of a neuro-cath lab at GB Pant Hospital has been a big achievement. A common citizen can access high-end neurological interventions in the public sector. We have also expanded dialysis centres and installed 150 new dialysis machines.Q. Mental health has been identified as a growing concern. What steps are being taken? A: We are working to establish at least one dedicated brain health or mental health clinic in every district hospital. A recent example is the brain health clinic set up at the Indira Gandhi Hospital. Our goal is to ensure that each district has accessible, specialised mental health services. In addition, we are integrating traditional and holistic wellness approaches such as panchakarma therapy, along with yoga, meditation, and counselling services into stress management, trigger anxiety etc. We have established an Ayurvedic society that will oversee dedicated centres across all districts and appoint trained therapists. The plan is to deploy qualified professionals in all 12 districts. Q: What about air pollution related ailments?A: Pollution from the transport sector will be fixed, I assure you. Q. Private vehicles are steadily increasing, often because public transport is seen as less comfortable or convenient. You had proposed a premium bus service to attract car users with better comfort and last-mile connectivity. What is its status?For many people, especially those using two-wheelers and three-wheelers, public transport will become the main mode of travel. After the introduction of our new 7-metre buses, including more Devi buses, many two-wheeler users have started shifting to these services. I have seen this change on the ground... Secondly, there was no metro expansion in the last two years of AAP govt. This will restart.Q. E-rickshaws are a major cause of traffic. Why are they allowed to ply illegally?Congestion increases when these vehicles move beyond the designated areas. We are bringing a policy which would regulate their operations. No e-rickshaw will be allowed to run without registration. We are also going to introduce 7-metre buses, which will be like luxury buses that can seat only 18 people. Because of the comfort and quality, even car users are likely to start using them. I would personally encourage everyone to use them.Q. There are concerns over accidents caused by buses. What measures is the govt taking?While there have been two or three such incidents, the number is significantly lower compared to the past. That does not mean action should not be taken. Drivers are being properly trained and sensitised, and wherever any negligence or mistake is found, strict action is being taken against those responsible.Q. When can people expect the long-pending EV policy to be announced? Will there be incentives for buyers?The policy is in its final stage and will be announced soon. As far as discounts and incentives are concerned, I can assure you that the BJP delivers on its promises, and whatever commitments have been made will be reflected.