CM flags lapses during surprise inspection of Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection of Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital, where she found shortages of medicines, long patient queues and poor sanitation.

The CM directed immediate corrective measures in this regard.

During the unannounced visit, the Chief Minister toured OPD areas, wards, pharmacy counters and other facilities, interacting with patients and attendants to gather feedback. Several elderly patients complained of waiting for hours without treatment, prompting Gupta to pull up hospital authorities and order better seating arrangements and a streamlined token system.

She also flagged gaps in doctor availability, overcrowding in OPDs and inefficiencies in the online appointment system, directing officials to better integrate digital and on-ground processes to reduce waiting times.

A major concern raised during the inspection was the unavailability of medicines, with patients forced to purchase drugs from outside. Taking serious note, Gupta ordered immediate audit of stock registers and directed the authorities to ensure uninterrupted supply. “If a medicine is needed today, it must be provided today,” she said, warning of strict action in case of lapses.

Complaints regarding poor sanitation, water supply issues and unhygienic conditions also drew sharp criticism from the Chief Minister, who termed the situation “unacceptable” and stressed accountability. She directed officials to improve cleanliness, repair basic facilities and maintain hygiene standards across the hospital.

To address systemic issues, Gupta ordered biometric attendance for staff, mandatory display of nameplates and stricter monitoring of services. She also sought inputs from doctors on rising hepatitis cases and called for preventive measures.

Reiterating her government’s focus on citizen-centric healthcare, Gupta said hospitals must deliver timely treatment, clean facilities and dignified services, adding that negligence would not be tolerated.