In News:

The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a major Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021 to strengthen public health systems across India, with a focus on pandemic preparedness and infrastructure development at all levels of healthcare.

In March 2025, the Delhi government agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement PM-ABHIM, marking a policy shift after earlier resistance. Under the agreement:

• 553 existing Mohalla Clinics will be upgraded to Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs).
• 413 new U-AAMs will be established.
• A total of 1,139 Urban AAMs will cater to Delhi’s primary healthcare needs.

Key Features of PM-ABHIM (2021–26):

• Total outlay: ?64,180 crore.
• Goal: Strengthen health infrastructure for effective response to future pandemics and disasters, and improve public health systems at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
• Scope: Combines Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components.

Major Components:

• 17,788 Sub-Centres asAyushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)in rural areas.
• 11,024 Urban AAMs, focusing onslum areas.
• 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs).
• 730 Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs)—one per district.
• 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs)in districts with populations above 5 lakh.

Governance & Implementation:

• Health being a State subject, implementation is carried out by State/UT governments.
• The MoHFW provides technical and financial assistance.
• Awareness and IEC (Information, Education, Communication) activities are integrated with other National Health Mission programs.