Will reduce number of Delhi mohalla clinics, rename them

All mohalla clinics operating on government land will continue, but we will shut those that are running on private rented premises

- Alok KN Mishra

NEW DELHI: A day after being assigned the health and transport portfolios in Delhi, minister Pankaj Singh told HT that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government will reduce the number of mohalla clinics in the city and rename them as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. He also stressed that free bus rides for women will continue. Edited excerpts of an interview:

You have been given the crucial health portfolio. What will be your priorities as Delhi's health minister?

We will strengthen health care services. I will personally visit government hospitals to assess available facilities, meet doctors and staff to understand their challenges, and identify gaps in infrastructure. I will also inspect hospitals where construction has been stalled for over two years. On Saturday, for instance, I plan to visit Rao Tula Ram Hospital in Jaffarpur Kalan.

Will the BJP government continue mohalla clinics or shut them down?