Even in posh colony in GK, Mohalla Clinics are a hit, says CM Kejriwal

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday inspected the first Mohalla Clinic opened by the Delhi government in the upper-middle-class Hemkunt Colony in Greater Kailash-I, and asserted that the government healthcare system in Delhi is at par with the private sector. He met several patients and staff during his inspection and enquired about the level of satisfaction among patients with the facilities provided at the Mohalla Clinic.

The AAP MLA of Greater Kailash Saurabh Bharadwaj was also present.

"I am so glad that all of you have faith in government hospitals. Even in posh colony in Greater Kailash, Mohalla Clinics are a hit. Earlier people used to presume that government hospitals would not be good enough. All the Mohalla clinics are in very good condition and are well-maintained," he said interacting with the local residents.

"Never before have upper-middle-class residents put their faith in a government service like a Mohalla Clinic. I am so happy that Delhi government health system is now at par with private health systems, just like how our government schools are becoming better than private schools," he added.

A patient who was present for a blood test, Mrs Batra said, "I am happy to see that the facility is so good and clean. But this is new so it is looking so nice. I hope the government will ensure it remains like this."

Later, CM Kejriwal tweeted, "When those who can afford expensive private hospitals start using government services as a matter of choice, it's the biggest certificate of quality. At a posh GK colony, I found upper-middle-class residents using a Mohalla Clinic. They're very very satisfied. Could you have imagined this few years ago?"

"It is a matter of pride for us, and I am glad that people are getting better treatment in the Mohalla Clinics. Everyone is appreciating the doctors' behaviour, we have free medicines available here, and I have come to know that people are getting prescriptions of the private hospitals to avail better treatments and medicines," said Kejriwal.

The Delhi government had set an ambitious target of 1,000 mohalla clinics for its flagship Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic project. There are currently 302 established Mohalla clinics in the national capital, which serve as Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with around 109 essential medicines and 212 free diagnostic tests in their facilities.