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New Delhi (27 March): #DelhiBudget2025 The Delhi government has announced an allocation of ₹12,893 crore for the health sector in the 2025-26 budget, aiming to bolster flagship programs such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, establish two new medical colleges, and increase the number of beds in government hospitals by 16,186. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the budget in the Assembly, emphasizing a robust initiative to enhance the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
Transforming Delhi’s Healthcare Vision
In her address, Rekha Gupta reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Delhi’s healthcare landscape by upgrading critical care services, expanding primary care, and modernizing medical facilities.
“Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to quality healthcare,” she said.
Capital Projects & Financial Protection Measures
The allocation includes ₹3,421 crore earmarked for capital projects, underlining the determination to establish Delhi as a center for superior healthcare and medical education. Additionally, ₹147.64 crore has been set aside to broaden financial protection under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), thereby extending free, cashless treatment for serious ailments to more families.
“We are determined to transform Delhi’s healthcare system with sustainable reforms, modern infrastructure, and digital innovation. Every citizen – rich or poor, young or old – deserves access to affordable, high-quality healthcare,” Gupta added.
Expansion of Medical Education
Furthermore, the government revealed plans to set up two new medical colleges in Delhi to enhance healthcare services and strengthen medical education.
“This will provide high-quality medical education to Delhi’s youth and create new employment opportunities in the healthcare sector,” she stated, also noting that the previous AAP government “never took strong steps” in the health sector.
Gupta underscored the current deficiency in hospital beds by referring to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend five beds per 1,000 people.
Delhi Hospitals Infrastructure Gaps and Future Projects/ Hospital Expansion
“At present, Delhi has only 2.7 beds per 1,000 people–far below the required standard. This is why patients face long queues for OPD services, medicine, and diagnostic tests. The shortage of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, combined with limited radiology facilities like CT scans, MRIs, and PET-CTs, further strains the system,” she explained.
To address this gap, the government plans to finalize 24 pending hospital projects, including the development of seven ICU hospitals, four new hospitals, and the expansion of 13 existing facilities. These projects are anticipated to add 16,186 new beds to Delhi’s public healthcare system.
“Our goal is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to every citizen of Delhi – whether rich or poor, young or old,” Gupta stressed, highlighting that sustainable reforms and modern infrastructure are essential for creating a healthier, more resilient capital.
Critique of Previous Administration
Criticizing the previous administration, she claimed it “failed to provide basic healthcare facilities,” noting that the last government initiated 24 projects that ultimately proved ineffective. She concluded by announcing plans to accelerate the construction of 10 to 13 new hospitals, with ₹1,000 crore specifically allocated for this purpose.
The Medical Bulletin
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