A report by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG), tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Friday, has highlighted significant lapses in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s healthcare management. The seven-page report criticizes the underutilization of Covid-19 relief funds, severe shortages of medical staff, and infrastructure deficiencies in government hospitals and ‘Mohalla’ clinics.
The report is expected to spark heated debates in the Assembly, with AAP MLAs likely to counter the allegations amid ongoing political tensions with the ruling BJP.
Key Findings of the CAG Report
- Underutilization of Covid Funds: The CAG revealed that out of Rs 787.91 crore allocated by the central government for Covid relief, only Rs 582.84 crore was spent. Notably, Rs 30.52 crore meant for human resources remained unused, indicating underpayment and lower deployment of medical staff.
- Shortages in Medical Supplies: An additional Rs 119.95 crore was sanctioned for medical equipment, including PPE kits, which were in high demand during the pandemic. However, only Rs 83.14 crore was utilized.
- Hospital Bed Crisis: Between 2016-17 and 2020-21, budget provisions were made for 32,000 additional hospital beds, yet only 1,357 were added. Hospital occupancy ranged from 101% to 189%, indicating extreme overcrowding.
- Manpower Deficit: Public hospitals in Delhi reported a shortfall of over 2,000 healthcare professionals. The Janakpuri and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospitals, in particular, faced a 50% shortage of doctors, 73% shortage of nursing staff, and a 17% shortage of paramedics. Additionally, Lok Nayak Hospital’s trauma center lacked specialist doctors.
- Long Waiting Times for Surgeries: Patients requiring major surgeries, especially burn victims, faced long delays—six months at Lok Nayak Hospital and 12 months at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya.
- Lack of Essential Facilities: Of the 27 hospitals audited, 14 lacked an intensive care unit (ICU), 16 had no blood banks, and 12 did not have ambulances.
Mohalla Clinics in Poor Condition
The CAG also criticized the condition of Delhi’s flagship ‘Mohalla’ clinics. The report revealed that 21 of these neighborhood healthcare centers lacked toilets, 15 had no power backup, and 12 were not accessible to disabled individuals.
Political Fallout: BJP vs AAP
The BJP has been using the report as evidence of corruption and mismanagement under the previous AAP-led government. The ruling party has vowed to present several such reports in the Assembly, fueling ongoing political confrontations.
In response, AAP MLAs are expected to strongly refute the allegations. Ahead of the Assembly session, AAP leaders staged a protest outside the House against the suspension of 21 legislators earlier in the week. Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, now the Leader of the Opposition, wrote to Speaker Vijender Gupta, calling the suspensions a “severe blow to democratic values.”
Earlier this week, a separate CAG report on the alleged liquor excise policy scam, which led to the arrest of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal last year, caused further uproar in the Assembly.
Sources By Agencies
