The Delhi High Court has mandated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to sign a Memorandum of About (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This directive concerns the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The court’s order comes despite the Model Code of Conduct being in effect due to upcoming Assembly elections. The PM-ABHIM scheme is designed to boost public health infrastructure in anticipation of future health crises.
Background of PM-ABHIM
The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission was initiated by the Central government. Its primary goal is to enhance public health systems across India. The scheme aims to prepare the healthcare sector for potential pandemics and outbreaks. It focuses on building and upgrading health facilities, ensuring better access to medical services.
Judicial Oversight
The Delhi High Court has been actively involved in reviewing health infrastructure issues since 2017. A suo motu petition initiated by the court has led to several directives aimed at improving healthcare in Delhi. The court has consistently urged the Delhi government to implement recommendations from the Dr Sarin Committee report, which outlines essential improvements for the city’s health infrastructure.
Government’s Inaction
Despite the court’s repeated instructions, the Delhi government has delayed the implementation of the PM-ABHIM scheme. Reports indicate that only limited progress has been made, with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) implementing the scheme on a pilot basis at the Indira Gandhi Hospital. This limited implementation contrasts sharply with the actions taken by other states and Union Territories across India.
Legal Directives
The High Court has made it clear that the MoU must be signed regardless of the Model Code of Conduct. The court emphasised the necessity of implementing the PM-ABHIM scheme fully. This is crucial to ensure that the residents of Delhi benefit from the funds and facilities available under the scheme. The court has instructed that the MoU be presented in the next hearing scheduled for January 13.
Importance of Health Infrastructure
Robust health infrastructure is vital for managing public health emergencies. The PM-ABHIM scheme aims to create a resilient healthcare system that can effectively respond to crises. The court’s intervention marks the importance of timely action to secure health resources for citizens.
Current Status and Future Actions
As of now, the Delhi government is under pressure to comply with the court’s order. The upcoming deadline for signing the MoU is critical for the future of healthcare in the capital. The court’s insistence on accountability puts stress on the importance of governance in public health.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in enhancing public health systems in India.
- Critically examine the role of judicial oversight in ensuring government accountability in the implementation of health schemes.
- Explain the impact of the Model Code of Conduct on government operations during election periods.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by state governments in implementing central health schemes effectively.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in enhancing public health systems in India.
- PM-ABHIM aims to strengthen public health infrastructure nationwide, improving preparedness for health crises.
- The scheme focuses on building new facilities and upgrading existing ones to ensure better healthcare access.
- It addresses systemic gaps revealed by previous pandemics, encouraging resilience in health systems.
- Implementation is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery across urban and rural areas.
- It integrates various health services, promoting a holistic approach to public health management.
2. Critically examine the role of judicial oversight in ensuring government accountability in the implementation of health schemes.
- Judicial oversight ensures that government actions align with legal and constitutional mandates.
- Courts can compel government compliance through directives, as seen with the Delhi High Court’s orders.
- Judicial intervention marks failures in governance, pushing for transparency and accountability.
- It serves as a check against bureaucratic inertia and political inaction in crucial sectors like health.
- Judicial reviews can lead to enhanced public trust in government initiatives and policies.
3. Explain the impact of the Model Code of Conduct on government operations during election periods.
- The Model Code of Conduct restricts government announcements and initiatives that could influence voters.
- It aims to create a level playing field among political parties during elections.
- Implementation of new schemes or projects is often paused to avoid perceived electoral advantage.
- However, essential services, like health infrastructure improvements, may still proceed if deemed necessary.
- Compliance with the code is monitored by the Election Commission to ensure fair elections.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by state governments in implementing central health schemes effectively.
- Lack of coordination between state and central governments can lead to delays, as seen with PM-ABHIM in Delhi.
- Resource constraints, including funding and manpower, hinder effective implementation of health schemes.
- Political considerations and differing priorities may affect commitment to central initiatives.
- States may struggle with bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of infrastructure to support new programs.
- Public awareness and engagement are often insufficient, leading to low utilization of health services.
