WHO praised Mohalla Clinics, and BHU has advocated for implementing this model nationwide: Priyanka Kakkar

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lambasted the BJP for attempting to dismantle Delhi’s widely praised Mohalla Clinic model. AAP’s Chief Spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, pointed out that the BJP is betraying its promise not to disrupt the work of the Arvind Kejriwal government, highlighting that despite global recognition—including endorsements from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU)—the BJP is moving to shut down 250 Mohalla Clinics.

Calling it an act of “petty and dirty politics,” the AAP Chief Spokesperson warned that this move would directly harm millions who rely on these clinics for affordable and accessible healthcare. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has acknowledged that Delhi leads the country in health services, largely due to the success of Mohalla Clinics—yet the BJP, instead of strengthening the model, appears determined to dismantle it.

In a press conference at the party headquarters, AAP Chief Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated that studies reveal that income inequality in India has worsened beyond British-era levels. Reports indicate that 90% of Indians struggle to afford daily expenses. Another study shows that household savings have hit a four-decade low.

“Amidst this, Arvind Kejriwal introduced a system where people no longer have to bear financial burdens for primary healthcare. Waiting times have reduced, and Mohalla Clinics are available within 5-10 km of homes, offering free medicines and tests. Imagine the relief for labourers who no longer need to take leave for medical checkups—whether it’s KFT, cholesterol, or thyroid tests, all are available free of cost,” highlighted the AAP Chief Spokesperson.

“This has not only improved primary healthcare access but also reduced the burden on tertiary healthcare. The quack doctor system in Delhi has been eliminated,” stated Priyanka Kakkar.

The AAP Chief Spokesperson criticised the BJP’s attempts to dismantle this system. “Despite PM Modi’s assurance that facilities in Delhi wouldn’t be shut down if they won, the reality is different. Of the nearly 550 Mohalla Clinics built by 2024, BJP wants to shut down 250, citing ‘fraud’ without evidence. They should release the list of these clinics so journalists can verify their claims,” she added.

Priyanka Kakkar further added that this is a tested model that benefits women, the elderly, and underserved communities. In fact, the demand for Mohalla Clinics has grown even in posh areas like Greater Kailash, leading to the opening of three clinics there. Yet, the BJP, driven by its petty and dirty politics, is attacking this successful initiative.

She highlighted global recognition of Mohalla Clinics. “There are numerous studies—Harvard, Oxford, and more. But today, I present two: one from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and another from the World Health Organization (WHO).”

“The WHO study, conducted through live testing on the ground, found that more than half to two-thirds of Mohalla Clinic beneficiaries were women, the elderly, and the poor, with school education up to the primary level. It also documented that most patients were using Delhi government’s healthcare facilities for the first time. A majority lived within a 10-minute walking distance of a clinic, ensuring easy access,” she added.

“The study further states that satisfaction levels were high across services, doctor-patient interactions, and waiting times, with most respondents willing to return for future needs. A staggering 90% of first-time visitors rated the services as excellent. Most beneficiaries received consultations, medicines, and diagnostics at zero cost. This model is globally praised, yet the BJP wants to destroy it,” said the AAP Chief Spokesperson.

She quoted the WHO study, “The time taken for a patient to be attended to by a doctor has drastically reduced from several hours to less than 30 minutes. Transportation costs have also dropped significantly as these clinics are within walking distance for most residents. Moreover, studies have recorded exceptionally high levels of patient satisfaction, reaching up to 97%…”

Emphasising the transformative impact of the initiative, Priyanka Kakkar stated, “Mohalla Clinics have the potential to shift the focus from expensive specialty care to an efficient, general physician-based health system. They are bringing attention back to the critical role of primary healthcare physicians in a system that has been excessively skewed towards super-specialist care.”

Drawing a global comparison, she remarked, “Japan’s healthcare system is a prime example. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced nations, its healthcare model prioritises primary care physicians, recognising their vital role. Practitioners of primary healthcare are highly valued there, and Mohalla Clinics are successfully establishing a similar model here.”

Referring to an academic study by BHU on Mohalla Clinic system, Priyanka Kakkar quoted, “A majority of the sample population consisted of women aged between 30 and 59 years, around 60.7 were women, rest 39.3% men, with senior citizens forming over a third of the respondents. The study found that the doctors in these clinics are highly qualified, with most having over 10 years of experience in their respective fields.”

Discussing the accessibility of Mohalla Clinics, she added, “According to the BHU study, the majority of respondents reported reaching a Mohalla Clinic within just 5 to 15 minutes from their homes. This is in line with our objective of ensuring that every citizen has access to a clinic within a 5-kilometre radius. Only 3–4% of respondents mentioned needing 20–30 minutes for travel, proving that the initiative is meeting its goal of doorstep healthcare delivery.”

Highlighting the comprehensive healthcare services provided, Priyanka Kakkar stated, “The BHU study further validates that Mohalla Clinics ensure free consultations, free medicines, and free diagnostic tests for Delhi’s residents, particularly benefiting underserved communities. The report confirms that patients are highly satisfied with the services, appreciating the quality treatment provided by experienced doctors.”

She further quoted, “Mohalla Clinics have successfully established a community-based healthcare model that is not only effective but also essential. Given their success, this model should be adopted and replicated nationwide to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.”

The AAP Chief Spokesperson criticised the BJP for its attempts to shut down Mohalla Clinics, a model that has gained international recognition. “Governments across India and even in 40 countries worldwide are studying the Mohalla Clinic model to implement in their healthcare systems. Banaras Hindu University has recommended that this system be adopted across the country. Yet, PM Modi and the BJP government are attempting to shut it down. Reports indicate that orders have been passed to close 250 clinics,” she said.

She highlighted the findings of the recent CAG report, which showcase the success of Delhi’s healthcare model. “The report clearly states that Delhi ranks the highest in the country in healthcare parameters, and a major reason for this achievement is Mohalla Clinics,” she said.

Providing statistics, she pointed out the impact on maternal healthcare. “Mohalla Clinics ensured that expecting mothers received proper antenatal checkups in their first trimester. In Delhi, 76.4% of mothers availed this essential service— the highest in the country, where the national average stands at just 70%. The annual figure in Delhi even touched 77% because these clinics made antenatal care accessible,” the AAP spokesperson stated.

She further elaborated on the stark difference in healthcare access. “At least 77.2% of expecting mothers in Delhi had four or more antenatal care visits, whereas the national figure is a dismal 58.1%. This is as per the CAG report,” she said.

Priyanka Kakkar also highlighted the availability of essential medicines. “Pregnant women in Delhi received iron and folic acid supplements free of cost at Mohalla Clinics. As a result, around 70% of them consumed these vital supplements during pregnancy, whereas the national average is just 44.1%,” she stated.

Referring to postnatal care, she added, “In Delhi, 86% of mothers received postnatal care from a doctor, nurse, or health professional within two days of delivery, while the national average stands at 78%. This was possible because of Mohalla Clinics. Yet, the BJP now wants to erase this successful model instead of expanding it.”

Slamming the BJP’s political vendetta, the AAP spokesperson said, “You are not just changing the name of these clinics—you are engaging in dirty politics. Instead of learning from the Banaras Hindu University’s recommendation and applying this model across India, you are shutting it down out of hatred for Arvind Kejriwal. In your obsession with Arvind Kejriwal, you have started hating the people as well.”

She offered a sharp critique of the BJP’s priorities. “If the problem is with the name, then rename them after Narendra Modi. Call them ‘Narendra Modi Aam Aadmi Clinic’ or whatever you like, but do not take away these healthcare facilities. These clinics have benefited mothers, sisters, daily wage workers who cannot afford to take time off—people who stay healthy and contribute productively to society because of this system. Do not shut it down,” Priyanka Kakkar urged.