Mohalla Clinic pilot scheme extended by a year

The AAP government had launched the project on a trial basis for an initial period of six months which was to end today. The decision to extend it was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here on Wednesday.

Mohalla Clinics scheme is one of the flagship projects of the AAP government, with 105 clinics set up by the Health Department so far.

“The Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics Pilot Project has been extended for a period of one year with effect from September 22 onwards. The Cabinet approval given earlier was till this date,” said a senior government official.

These neighbourhood clinics were set up as a pilot project for the 1,000 clinics that the government had promised to open by the end of the year to improve primary healthcare and reduce the burden on the tertiary care centres.

Kejriwal and other AAP ministers have praised the project on several occasions, terming it a “revolutionary step” in the health sector in the national Capital. The Chief Minister has also claimed that the project has been lauded across the globe. 

On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said about 8 lakh people have got medical treatment at the clinics.

Mohalla clincs provide consultation, 110 free essential drugs, immunisation for children, 212 basic tests and counselling. Once the project is completed, even specialist doctors would visit the facilities on a rotational basis.