A scathing report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has exposed significant shortcomings in the healthcare infrastructure of Delhi, shedding light on a range of issues plaguing the system. Presented by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the 208-page report delves into the mismanagement of funds, delays in project execution, and shortages of staff and drugs during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure.
One of the most alarming revelations from the report is the dire state of Mohalla clinics, a cornerstone of the AAP government’s healthcare initiative. Shockingly, 21 out of the inspected Mohalla clinics were found to be without toilets, 15 lacked power backup, six had no tables for check-ups, and 12 were inaccessible to the physically disabled. This glaring lack of basic facilities underscores the challenges faced by patients seeking care in these community health centers.
Underutilization of Funds and Shortages
According to the CAG report, a staggering amount of funds allocated for healthcare initiatives remained underutilized by the AAP government. Out of ₹787.91 crore released by the central government, only ₹582.84 crore was utilized, pointing to a gross mismanagement of resources during a critical time, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also highlighted discrepancies in the allocation of funds for human resources, with only ₹30.52 crore out of the allotted ₹52 crore utilized, leading to underpayment of health staff and lower deployment of workers.
Furthermore, the report revealed that a significant portion of the funds earmarked for drugs and supplies, including essential items like PPE and masks, went unutilized. Out of ₹119.85 crore allocated, only ₹36.71 crore was spent, leaving a shortfall in crucial medical supplies. This lack of proper allocation and utilization of funds has had a detrimental impact on the overall healthcare delivery system in Delhi, affecting the quality of care provided to residents.
Shortages in Hospital Infrastructure
In addition to the deficiencies in primary healthcare facilities, the CAG report also highlighted critical shortages in hospital infrastructure across Delhi. The report pointed out that despite the high demand for hospital beds, only 1357 beds were added during the budget years from 2016-17 to 2020-2021, falling significantly short of the promised 32,000 beds. Moreover, the completion of new hospitals under the AAP government was delayed, with final costs exceeding the initial estimates, raising questions about the efficiency of healthcare projects undertaken during that period.
The report also shed light on the lack of essential services in hospitals, such as ICU facilities, blood banks, oxygen services, mortuary services, and ambulance services, further exacerbating the challenges faced by patients in need of critical care. With ICU services unavailable in 14 out of 27 hospitals inspected, and other essential services missing in a significant number of healthcare facilities, the report painted a grim picture of the state of public health infrastructure in Delhi.
In conclusion, the CAG report on the healthcare system in Delhi underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the systemic issues that have plagued the sector. From mismanagement of funds to shortages in infrastructure and essential services, the report highlights the critical areas that require immediate attention to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the residents of Delhi. As policymakers and stakeholders review the findings of the report, it is imperative that concrete steps are taken to rectify the shortcomings identified and ensure that the healthcare system in Delhi meets the needs of its citizens.
