MCD Overhauls Health Benefits and Ramps Up Crackdown on Illegal Buildings

In a move that’s being called both bold and timely, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has tweaked its Health Empanelment Policy. For the first time, even contractual employees – and their families – can walk into empanelled hospitals and receive cash‑less indoor treatment at the rates set by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). It’s a relief, especially for those who have been juggling out‑of‑pocket expenses for years.

But the changes don’t stop there. Pensioners, along with their families, will keep enjoying cash‑less care, and anyone aged 70 or above now gets a smoother ride: they can consult specialists directly, no referral needed, and still benefit from the same cash‑less indoor treatment. The policy also stretches its reach beyond Delhi’s borders – eligible beneficiaries living outside the capital can turn to government hospitals, with reimbursements honoured at the prescribed CGHS rates.

Mayor Pravesh Wahi, speaking at a brief press meet, highlighted that the revised policy aims to broaden healthcare options for a swath of beneficiaries. He urged officials to roll it out quickly, noting that “health should never be a luxury, especially for those who serve the city.” A tiny side note: the mayor’s phrasing was a touch informal, perhaps to underline the human element behind the numbers.

While the health front is getting a makeover, the MCD is simultaneously keeping a vigilant eye on the city’s skyline. On Saturday, enforcement teams criss‑crossed all 12 zones, targeting dangerous, unauthorised structures that flout the Master Plan of Delhi and the Building Bye‑Laws. In that single day, 29 demolition actions were executed and three properties sealed – a clear signal that the corporation means business.

Just a day earlier, the crackdown was already in full swing: 41 buildings were knocked down and 10 more sealed across various neighborhoods, from Rajouri Garden Extension and Jeevan Park in the West Zone to Baljeet Nagar and Pandav Nagar in the Central (Karol Bagh) Zone. Even the North‑East Zone saw action at Mandoli. Each demolition, though stark, is presented as a necessary step to protect public safety.

Officials emphasized that unauthorised construction will not be tolerated. The drive, they say, will continue with “full vigour,” targeting anything that poses a risk – be it illegal extensions, structurally unsound buildings, or outright violations of the city’s building code. In other words, the MCD is trying to juggle two big priorities: better, more inclusive health services, and a safer, more orderly urban environment.

So, as Delhi’s residents look forward to easier access to cash‑less medical care, they’ll also be watching the city’s streets for the tell‑tale signs of a demolition crew at work – a juxtaposition of care and caution that reflects the complex challenges of governing a megacity.