A Lifesaver for Delhi Residents: India’s healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the Delhi government has taken a major leap forward with the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme.
This unique initiative offers free and subsidized medical treatment, surgeries, diagnostics, and medicines to residents of Delhi who are unable to afford costly medical expenses. Whether it’s a minor health issue or a major surgery, DAK ensures that no Delhiite is left untreated due to financial constraints.
In this article, we explore the key features, eligibility, benefits, application process, and list of empaneled hospitals under the Delhi Arogya Kosh Yojana. Designed to be a comprehensive guide, this article will help citizens understand how they can avail of free or subsidized medical support through this government scheme.
1. Introduction to Delhi Arogya Kosh
The Delhi Arogya Kosh is a welfare scheme launched by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi. It aims to provide financial assistance for medical treatment to economically weaker sections of Delhi who are residents of the state.
With medical expenses becoming increasingly unaffordable, the Delhi government initiated this scheme to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services, especially tertiary care and specialized surgeries.
2. Objective of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme are:
- To provide free surgeries and treatments for costly medical procedures in both government and private hospitals.
- To reimburse diagnostic tests and medicines not available in Delhi govt hospitals.
- To support emergency surgeries and procedures that are beyond the financial capacity of patients.
- To reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Delhi residents.
3. Key Features of Delhi Arogya Kosh
- Free Medical Surgeries: Upto ₹5 lakh for specified procedures in empaneled private hospitals.
- Free Diagnostic Services: MRI, CT Scan, X-rays, etc., through empaneled diagnostic centers.
- Free Lab Tests & Medicines: Not available in Delhi govt hospitals can be availed outside with reimbursement.
- Eligibility Based on Residency and Income: Open to residents of Delhi with an annual income less than ₹3 lakhs.
- Online Reimbursement Facility: Apply digitally with medical bills for timely compensation.
4. Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme, a person must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Resident of Delhi: Must have resided in Delhi for at least 3 years.
- Low-Income Group: Annual family income must be below ₹3 lakh.
- Valid ID and Address Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or other government-issued proof of residence.
- Medical Necessity: Treatment should be one of the procedures listed under the scheme or not available in govt facilities.
5. Documents Required
You’ll need the following documents to apply for the scheme:
- Aadhaar card or Voter ID of patient
- Proof of income (BPL card / income certificate)
- Residential proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- Doctor’s prescription
- Hospital referral (from govt facility)
- Medical investigation reports
- Cost estimate from hospital
- Bank details for reimbursement
6. Step-by-Step Application Process
For Reimbursement:
- Visit Delhi Arogya Kosh Portal: http://health.delhigovt.nic.in
- Download Reimbursement Form
- Fill the form and attach documents
- Submit to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital where treatment was done
- Verification and Processing: Authorities verify the claim
- Payment: Approved reimbursement is credited to patient’s bank account
For Pre-Approval of Surgeries:
- Visit the nearest Delhi Government hospital
- Get referred to a private hospital under DAK if surgery isn’t available at govt hospital
- Submit documents and income proof
- Receive approval letter
- Proceed with treatment at empaneled hospital
7. Treatments & Services Covered
The Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme covers a wide range of medical services:
Surgeries:
- Cardiac surgeries (like bypass, valve replacement)
- Neuro surgeries
- Orthopedic surgeries (joint replacements)
- Dialysis and kidney transplant (selected cases)
- Cancer treatments
Diagnostic Services:
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
- Blood tests
- Pathology and radiology tests
Medicines:
- Drugs prescribed in govt hospitals but unavailable at the moment
- Cancer drugs and chemotherapy medicines (on case-by-case basis)
8. Empaneled Hospitals Under DAK
Some of the major empaneled hospitals under the scheme include:
Government Hospitals:
- Lok Nayak Hospital
- GTB Hospital
- Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital
- Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital
Private Empaneled Hospitals:
- Max Healthcare
- Fortis Hospitals
- Batra Hospital
- BLK Max Hospital
- Apollo Hospitals (in selected cases)
Note: Pre-approval is mandatory for private hospitals.
9. Online Reimbursement Facility
Patients who had to undergo treatment in non-govt facilities due to emergencies or unavailability of services in govt hospitals can claim reimbursement through DAK.
Key Points:
- Must retain original bills and prescriptions
- Claim submission within 60 days of treatment
- Online tracking system for claim status
- Amount is transferred to patient’s bank account
10. Role of Mohalla Clinics and Delhi Govt Hospitals
Mohalla Clinics act as the first point of contact for residents, offering free consultations and tests. If specialized treatment is required, patients are referred to secondary and tertiary government hospitals.
If the government hospitals cannot provide the needed services, the case is escalated to DAK for treatment at empaneled private hospitals.
11. Benefits to Delhi Residents
- Zero-Cost Treatment for costly medical procedures
- Timely Access to Healthcare
- No Delay in Emergency Cases
- Digital and Transparent Process
- Support for the Marginalized: Especially the poor, elderly, and differently abled
12. Challenges & Solutions
Challenges:
- Lack of awareness among citizens
- Delay in reimbursements
- Need for better monitoring
Solutions:
- Strengthen online awareness campaigns
- Streamline processing timelines
- Partner with NGOs and community centers
13. Success Stories & Impact
Several Delhi residents have benefited from DAK:
- A rickshaw puller received a free heart surgery at a private hospital under the scheme.
- A domestic worker was able to get dialysis support without spending a single rupee.
- A cancer patient received free chemotherapy and diagnostics under DAK.
The scheme has helped thousands of patients regain their health and dignity.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can avail benefits of Delhi Arogya Kosh?
Any Delhi resident with income below ₹3 lakh per annum and a valid residential proof.
Q2. Is private hospital treatment completely free under DAK?
Yes, if it is approved under the scheme with valid referral.
Q3. Can I apply online for reimbursement?
You must fill out the reimbursement form and submit it physically at designated offices, but tracking is available online.
Q4. What if I don’t have income proof?
You can apply for an income certificate through the Revenue Department or your local SDM office.
15. Final Thoughts
The Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme is a transformative healthcare initiative that reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and affordable healthcare. In a time where health costs are rising rapidly, DAK brings hope and relief to underprivileged families.
With better outreach and continued government support, this scheme can serve as a model for universal health coverage across India. Every eligible Delhi resident must be aware of this scheme and use it to access free surgeries, diagnostics, and medicines—because health should never come at the cost of debt or distress.
