Expanded ANMOL scheme, hike in ASHA incentive — Delhi launches health initiatives

The Delhi government has announced several new healthcare initiatives under the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan" programme, including an expanded ANMOL scheme and a significant increase in ASHA worker incentives. The ANMOL scheme, which provides free newborn screening for 63 diseases, has been expanded from covering 56 to 63 conditions. ASHA workers, who serve as the link between the community and the public health system, will now receive a monthly incentive of Rs 6,000, up from Rs 3,000, benefiting 6,690 workers in the Capital.

These workers play a crucial role in registering pregnant women, promoting institutional deliveries, tracking immunization, providing nutrition and sanitation counseling, and accompanying patients to healthcare facilities. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that the incentive had been pending for nearly a decade, and the government's recognition comes after workers continued serving during the Covid years without proper recognition.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta felicitated outstanding ASHA workers at the "ASHA Sammelan-2026 and ASHA Samman Samaroh" and announced a special dandiya programme for them during Navratri. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the vital role ASHA workers play in reaching every family like an elder sister, especially during healthcare campaigns.

Since its implementation in March, Mission ANMOL has screened over 75,000 newborns and treated more than 700 children within 24 to 72 hours of birth. The government aims to increase annual coverage under the scheme to between 1.5 lakh and 2.5 lakh newborns.