Delhi L-G seeks factual report on health infra

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena on Sunday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asking him for a factual report on the state of healthcare infrastructure at major state government-run hospitals. He also urged him to ensure the submission of report “at the earliest”.

He expressed disappointment and concern over what he described as “the pathetic state of facilities” under the Health Department of the Delhi Government.

“As the national capital, Delhi deserves a world-class healthcare system that prioritise the well-being of its citizens, and not one that is plagued by the systemic dysfunction and neglect, as the case is now,” the L-G said.

His remarks came a day after the Anti-Corruption Bureau flagged 65,000 fake tests at two private labs, to which AAP government-run mohalla clinics have outsourced diagnostic work.

Saxena also mentioned the Delhi HC remarks in a 2017 case, wherein a newborn died due to lack of ICU bed in a government hospital in the Capital.

“The Delhi High Court remarks, highlighting inadequate infrastructure, shortage of manpower, inefficient patient management and potential financial mismanagement, paint a deeply troubling picture,” said Saxena.

“During the hearing, the HC also considered an application seeking an investigation into the death of a man, who was recently refused treatment by government hospitals due to non-functional equipment and the absence of a communication network between Delhi hospitals,” he added.

He said these issues were not merely administrative oversights, but direct violations of the fundamental duties of the government. He also cited a letter sent to the CM on June 22, 2023, saying even then he had raised concerns and sought prompt action with regards to enhancing the public health infrastructure and bed capacity in the city which has been almost in a state of limbo for the past 10 years.

ACB takes cognisance of 65K ‘fake tests’

• Delhi Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena’s remarks came a day after the Anti-Corruption Bureau flagged 65,000 fake tests at two private labs, to which AAP government-run mohalla clinics have outsourced diagnostic work.
• The Lieutenant-Governor expressed disappointment and concern over what he described as “the pathetic state of facilities” under the Health Department of the Delhi Government.

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