Delhi Government Shuts Down 137 Mohalla Clinics Amid Health Service Expansion

In a significant shift in Delhi's healthcare system, the government has ordered the closure of 137 Mohalla Clinics, reducing their number to just 30. This decision comes amid the rapid expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with 81 new centers inaugurated recently. The closures aim to streamline services and eliminate redundancy in the primary healthcare network. As the city adapts to these changes, officials indicate that further clinic closures may occur in the future. The new Mandirs are set to provide essential health services, including free medicines and cancer screenings, enhancing local healthcare access across the capital.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 13:07 IST

Significant Changes in Delhi's Healthcare System

Following the establishment of the BJP government in Delhi, numerous significant changes have been implemented. Amid the rapid expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), the Delhi government has ordered the closure of 137 Mohalla Clinics across the city. This initiative, which was significantly expanded under the previous AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal, has now seen a drastic reduction in the number of clinics. Health officials reported that this decision has reduced the total number of Mohalla Clinics in the capital from 167 to just 30.

Closure of Clinics and Health Service Reorganization

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) informed all Chief District Medical Officers (CDMO) across the districts about this decision. Officials indicated that the closures are part of a comprehensive reorganization of Delhi's primary healthcare network to avoid service duplication. Of the 137 clinics being shut down, 101 were operating from porta cabins, 30 from rented premises, five from government buildings, and one from a private building that was provided rent-free.

According to officials, 41 of these clinics were already non-operational due to a lack of doctors. The remaining 96 clinics were located near newly established Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, rendering them redundant. At its peak, Delhi had over 540 Mohalla Clinics aimed at providing accessible healthcare at the neighborhood level. Officials suggested that the remaining 30 clinics might also face closure in the future due to the ongoing expansion of the Ayushman Arogya network throughout the city.

New Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Opened

In the meantime, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on Wednesday, bringing the total number of such centers in Delhi to 319. The government plans to establish approximately 15 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in each assembly constituency to enhance local healthcare access. Designed as comprehensive primary health centers, these Mandirs are expected to offer 12 essential service packages, including free distribution of 161 types of medicines, 12 diagnostic tests, and vaccinations for pregnant women and newborns. Screening for common non-communicable diseases such as cervical, breast, and oral cancers will also be a key component.