In a significant move to strengthen Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure, the state government has allocated ₹12,893 crore for the health sector in its 2025-26 budget. This investment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving medical services, expanding medical education opportunities, and ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for all citizens.
Establishment of Two New Medical Colleges
A major highlight of this budget is the proposal to establish two new medical colleges in Delhi. This initiative aims to address the increasing demand for medical education and create a larger workforce of healthcare professionals. With more medical graduates entering the system, the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the city are expected to improve significantly. These institutions will feature modern infrastructure, cutting-edge research facilities, and updated curricula to meet the evolving needs of the medical field.
Expansion of Hospital Infrastructure
To enhance patient care and address the shortage of hospital beds, the government has planned the addition of over 16,000 hospital beds across multiple government hospitals in the capital. This includes the completion of 24 pending hospital projects, covering seven intensive care unit (ICU) hospitals, four new hospitals, and expansions of 13 existing facilities. These projects, once completed, will provide a major boost to Delhi’s healthcare system by increasing bed capacity and reducing patient overcrowding in government hospitals.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare Services
The budget also allocates ₹320 crore for the establishment of 400 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), also known as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These centers aim to improve the availability of primary healthcare services, focusing on preventive care, disease management, and health promotion. By making essential medical services more accessible at the community level, the government seeks to reduce the burden on larger hospitals and ensure timely medical interventions.
Investment in Critical Care and Diagnostics
To enhance the quality of medical interventions, the budget earmarks ₹1,666.66 crore under the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) for upgrading critical care blocks and diagnostic services. This funding will be used to equip hospitals with state-of-the-art intensive care units, advanced diagnostic machines, and specialized medical facilities to improve patient outcomes. The focus is on providing high-quality critical care, reducing mortality rates, and ensuring that serious illnesses are diagnosed and treated effectively.
Digitization of Healthcare Services
The government has also allocated ₹9.92 crore for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. This initiative will introduce digital healthcare solutions such as electronic health records, telemedicine services, and online patient management systems. By digitizing healthcare services, the government aims to streamline medical processes, reduce paperwork, and ensure efficient delivery of medical services. The integration of technology will improve accessibility and coordination between different healthcare institutions.
Expansion of Health Insurance Coverage
To provide financial protection against rising healthcare costs, the government has allocated ₹147.64 crore for expanding coverage under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This will enable more residents to access free, cashless treatment for serious illnesses. By increasing the reach of this scheme, the government seeks to reduce the economic burden on families and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Despite these ambitious initiatives, several challenges remain in the implementation of these healthcare reforms. One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of hospital beds. According to global health standards, there should be at least five hospital beds per 1,000 people, whereas Delhi currently has only 2.7 beds per 1,000 people. This shortage results in long waiting times for outpatient department (OPD) services, delays in receiving medicines, and limited availability of diagnostic tests.
In addition to the shortage of beds, the city faces a deficit of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. The lack of essential medical personnel has been a long-standing issue in Delhi’s public healthcare sector. Furthermore, radiology services such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET-CT scans are not available in sufficient numbers, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The planned expansion of medical colleges and hospitals is expected to address these gaps, ensuring a better healthcare experience for residents.
Commitment to Healthcare Transformation
The Delhi government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the city’s healthcare system through sustainable reforms, modern infrastructure, and digital innovation. The objective is to create a healthcare environment where every citizen—regardless of economic status—has access to high-quality, affordable medical care. By investing in both short-term improvements and long-term structural changes, the administration aims to build a resilient healthcare system capable of handling future challenges.
The Delhi government’s ₹12,893 crore allocation for healthcare represents a strategic effort to improve medical education, expand hospital infrastructure, and strengthen primary and critical care services. With the establishment of two new medical colleges, the addition of over 16,000 hospital beds, increased digitalization, and expanded health insurance coverage, the city’s healthcare system is poised for significant transformation. These initiatives not only address immediate concerns but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more robust medical framework in the coming years.
