New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Delhi's healthcare infrastructure has exposed serious financial mismanagement, negligence and lack of accountability in the last six years. The report to be presented in the Delhi Assembly today points to a severe shortage of equipment and health workers, poor infrastructure in mohalla clinics and low utilization of emergency funds.
Shortage of important medical services in Delhi hospitals
The CAG report has revealed that many hospitals in Delhi are facing a huge shortage of important medical services. Out of 27 hospitals in the city, 14 do not have ICU facilities, while 16 do not have blood banks. Besides, eight hospitals do not have oxygen supply and 15 hospitals do not have mortuaries. The report also pointed out that 12 hospitals are running without ambulance services.
Poor infrastructure at Mohalla clinics and AYUSH dispensaries
Many Mohalla clinics lack essential facilities such as toilets, power backup and check-up tables. Similar deficiencies were reported at AYUSH dispensaries. Delhi hospitals are facing severe staff shortage, with a 21 per cent shortage of nurses, 38 per cent of paramedics and 50-96 per cent shortage of doctors and nurses in some hospitals. Operation theatres, ICU beds and private rooms are unused at Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Specialty Hospitals, while trauma centres lack specialist doctors for emergency care.
Underutilisation of funds
Of the Rs 787.91 crore allocated for Covid-19 response, only Rs 582.84 crore was utilised. A total of Rs 30.52 crore was not spent for healthcare workers, while Rs 83.14 crore allocated for essential medicines and PPE kits remained unused.
Failure to increase hospital bed capacity
Of the promised 32,000 new hospital beds, only 1,357 (4.24 per cent) were added. Some hospitals reported occupancy rates of 101 per cent-189 per cent, forcing patients to lie on the floor.
Hospital Projects Delayed
Major hospital projects were delayed by 3-6 years, leading to a cost overrun of Rs 382.52 crore. This affected hospitals such as Indira Gandhi Hospital, Burari Hospital and MA Dental Ph-II.
Long wait for surgeries
At Lok Nayak Hospital, patients have to wait 2-3 months for general surgeries and 6-8 months for burn and plastic surgeries. CNBC Hospital has a waiting period of 12 months for pediatric surgery. According to sources, this will be the second CAG report to be tabled in the assembly. Earlier, on Tuesday, CM Rekha Gupta tabled the CAG report on Delhi Excise Policy.
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