The Delhi government has ordered the immediate closure of 137 Mohalla Clinics across the city. Health authorities announced this significant reduction on Thursday, citing the expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network as the primary reason.
Massive Reduction in Clinic Numbers
This decision dramatically cuts the total number of Mohalla Clinics in the capital from 167 to just 30 operational facilities. Officials confirmed the closures through official communication to all Chief District Medical Officers.
Breakdown of Affected Clinics
The 137 clinics scheduled for shutdown represent diverse operational setups:
- 101 clinics function from portable porta cabins
- 30 clinics operate from rented premises
- 5 clinics are located in government buildings
- 1 clinic runs rent-free in a private building
Non-Functional and Redundant Facilities
Health officials revealed that 41 of these clinics currently lack doctors and remain completely non-functional. The remaining 96 clinics face closure because they are located too close to newly established Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, making them unnecessary duplicates in the healthcare system.
Historical Context and Future Plans
Delhi once boasted over 540 Mohalla Clinics at the program's peak. Authorities indicated that more closures might follow as the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network continues to grow across the city.
Simultaneous Expansion of Alternative Network
While closing Mohalla Clinics, the government simultaneously expands its alternative healthcare infrastructure. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on Wednesday, bringing the total number of these primary healthcare centers in Delhi to 319.
This shift represents a major restructuring of Delhi's primary healthcare delivery system, replacing the portable and rented Mohalla Clinics with more permanent Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities.
