Delhi Healthcare CAG Report: Severe Shortcomings

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Delhi Healthcare CAG Report reveals severe financial mismanagement.
14 hospitals lack ICUs, and 16 lack blood banks.
Mohalla Clinics lack basic facilities like toilets.
Hospitals face a critical shortage of doctors and nurses.
Covid emergency funds were underutilized.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure has highlighted severe Financial Mismanagement, negligence, and a lack of accountability over the last six years. The Delhi Healthcare CAG Report, expected to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly today, points to an acute shortage of equipment and healthcare workers, poor infrastructure in Mohalla Clinics, and underutilization of emergency funds.

Key Findings:

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Critical Services Missing: The report revealed that several hospitals in Delhi are facing a severe shortage of critical medical services. Out of 27 hospitals in the city, 14 lack ICU facilities, while 16 do not have blood banks. Additionally, oxygen supply is absent in eight hospitals, and 15 hospitals do not have a mortuary. The report also points out that 12 hospitals are operating without ambulance services.
Poor Infrastructure in Mohalla Clinics and AYUSH dispensaries: Many Mohalla Clinics lack essential facilities like toilets, power backup, and check-up tables. Similar deficiencies were reported in AYUSH dispensaries. This indicates a lack of basic standards in primary healthcare.
Acute Shortage of Healthcare Workers: Delhi hospitals face an alarming staff shortage, with a 21 per cent shortage of nurses, 38 per cent shortage of paramedics, and 50-96 per cent shortage of doctors and nurses in some hospitals. This shortage is a major concern highlighted in the Delhi Healthcare CAG Report.
Non-Utilization of Hospital Infrastructure: Operation theatres, ICU beds, and private rooms remain unused at Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospitals, while trauma centers lack specialist doctors for emergency care. Efficient use of Hospital Infrastructure is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
Underutilization of Covid Emergency Funds: Only Rs 582.84 crore of the Rs 787.91 crore allocated for Covid-19 response was used. A total of Rs 30.52 crore meant for healthcare workers remained unspent, while Rs 83.14 crore allocated for essential drugs and PPE kits went unused. This underutilization points to issues in the Allocation of Funds.
Failure to Expand Hospital Bed Capacity: Out 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 floors. The failure to meet targets exacerbates the problems.
Delayed Hospital Projects and Cost Overruns: Major hospital projects faced delays of 3-6 years, with cost overruns amounting to Rs 382.52 crore. Due to this, hospitals like Indira Gandhi Hospital, Burari Hospital, and MA Dental Ph-II were significantly impacted. Such delays in building Hospital Infrastructure negatively impact patient care.
Long Surgery Waiting Times: Patients at Lok Nayak Hospital wait 2-3 months for general surgeries and 6-8 months for burn and plastic surgeries. CNBC Hospital has a 12-month waiting period for pediatric surgeries. These long waits demonstrate the strain on the existing system.

As per sources, this will be the second report of CAG, which will be presented in the assembly. Earlier, on Tuesday, CM Rekha Gupta had tabled the CAG report on the Delhi Excise Policy. While this report differs from the Delhi Healthcare CAG Report, both shed light on financial irregularities within the Delhi government.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

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