Geeta, 50, a resident of Okhla has been visiting a Mohalla Clinic in her area for the past five years for medicines for her thyroid condition and cholesterol levels. “We know that the clinics will change, but hope the facilities remain the same,” she said while waiting to see a doctor.

The BJP government has decided to convert Mohalla Clinics, a flagship programme of the Aam Aadmi Party, into Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs). The Comptroller and Auditor General report, tabled in the Assembly by the BJP, revealed shortcomings in the functioning of the clinics.

In the last month, there has been a slight dip in patient footfall, according to doctors working at the clinics. However, the clinics, which comprise four workers, including a doctor, a nursing staff, a pharmacist, and a multitask worker, are fully functional and awaiting more details from authorities.

At a meeting on February 17 between health officials and District Magistrates, it was decided that a total of 1,139 U-AAMs will be set up, and the existing 553 Mohalla Clinics will be converted into U-AAMs. Health Department officials said the rebranding is in process.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced the shutting down of around 160 Mohalla Clinics running from rented properties. Services will be expanded and Ayurvedic facilities will also be added, he said.

Emergency services

Two doctors posted at Mohalla Clinics said they have been “informed verbally” that emergency and vaccination facilities will be added. “Emergency services are expected to be added. This means that if there is a road accident, we can provide the patient with first-aid,” said a doctor who did not wish to be identified.

Regarding Ayurvedic facilities, there were apprehensions at the clinics. “Modern medicine is very different from Ayurveda. We do not know if a separate section will be created,” a doctor said.