Chandigarh, In a strategic move to resolve the deadlock with the Centre over the naming of Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs), the Punjab government is considering co-branding the medical facilities with ‘Ayushman Bharat’ to secure the state’s share of ₹623 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM).
A senior official revealed that discussions at the government level have explored the possibility of adding ‘Ayushman Bharat’ as a prefix to AACs. With the funding under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) shared at a ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and the state, the government believes this proposal could be acceptable to the Centre.
The move aims to address the Centre’s concerns about the rebranding of health and wellness centers, initially developed under the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme, as Aam Aadmi Clinics. The funds, halted for over six months, have led to a stalemate, further intensified by the Centre’s decision to withhold more than ₹1,800 crore under a separate capital investment assistance scheme unless Punjab complies with branding rules.
The Centre’s letter on November 23 highlighted a ‘violation’ of branding guidelines concerning Ayushman Bharat centers, despite Punjab’s earlier undertaking to comply. The Punjab government, in April, expressed readiness to make changes in branding, but the funds remain withheld.
Not only has the NHM funding been stopped, but the Centre has also indicated its intention to withhold additional funds unless Punjab adheres to branding rules. Despite Punjab’s commitment to changes, the Centre insists on compliance with CSS branding guidelines.
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh, in a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, requested the release of funds, expressing the state’s readiness to make necessary branding adjustments.
The proposed co-branding of AACs with ‘Ayushman Bharat’ reflects an effort by the Mann-led government to find common ground with the Centre and unlock crucial healthcare funding.
