Anurag Dhanda, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, has criticized the alleged shutdown of several Mohalla Clinics in Delhi, claiming the move has affected healthcare access and put hundreds of workers’ livelihoods at risk. He raised the issue publicly, questioning the local administration and demanding clarification on the reported closures.
Anurag Dhanda: Claims About Clinic Shutdowns
According to a video shared by Dhanda on social media, residents and workers claimed that out of 551 Mohalla Clinics previously operating across the capital, nearly 489 have allegedly been shut, leaving only around 61–63 functional. In the video, individuals described how the closures have disrupted medical services in several neighborhoods.
Dhanda alleged that the clinics, originally launched during the tenure of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are being systematically closed and that staff members are receiving termination notices. He accused the current administration led by the Bharatiya Janata Party of weakening public health infrastructure.
Employment Impact Highlighted
The AAP leader emphasized that many trained workers—ranging from pharmacists and assistants to patient coordinators—were employed at these clinics. He stated that the alleged closures have created uncertainty for these employees, many of whom depend on these jobs as their primary source of income.
Political Reactions Intensify
Dhanda’s remarks have intensified political exchanges, with opposition leaders demanding an official response from authorities regarding the exact number of operational clinics and the reasons behind any closures. They have also called for transparency on staffing decisions and future plans for neighborhood healthcare facilities.
The issue is expected to remain politically sensitive as public healthcare access and employment concerns continue to be major civic priorities in the capital.
Meanwhile, health policy observers note that Mohalla Clinics have long been projected as a grassroots healthcare model aimed at providing free primary treatment, diagnostic tests, and medicines to residents living in densely populated urban areas. Experts say that if large-scale closures are confirmed, it could place additional pressure on government hospitals and dispensaries, potentially increasing patient load and wait times.
