In Delhi, 'Modicare' hits roadblock as Kejriwal wants his name

A top government official said Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain has approved the scheme and that the AAP government wants the name changed.

For this, a letter has been written to the Union Health Ministry and a reply is awaited.

Apparently, the Centre understood the Delhi government's demands and suggested to keep 'Ayushmaan Bharat' in beginning, with an assurance that rest can be discussed.

As it turns out, the name change isn't the only problem. The Delhi government also wants to add 50 lakh beneficiaries to the list. Currently, the list has 20 lakh beneficiaries and it seems this demand won't be met.

Notably, AAP member Nagendar Sharma denied demands of a name change but said talks were on with the Central government.

Obviously, the BJP wasn't impressed. Its leader, Vijender Gupta called it AAP's selfish motive.

"The Delhi government has backtracked. It is exposed. Other states have already started work," he said and added they will agitate if the scheme isn't implemented.

Meanwhile, Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Kirti Bhushan, said the AAP government proposed adding more beneficiaries to reach out to more people.

'Modicare' as the scheme is popularly called, has got a green signal from 29 out of all 36 states and Union Territories.

Speaking on Independence Day this year, PM Modi said this will ensure no poor suffered due to expensive hospital bills.

The scheme is said to benefit 500 million people and BJP chose Deen Dayal Upadhyay's birth anniversary as the launch date.