Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

CAG Report Highlights Severe Deficiencies in Delhi's Healthcare System

The audit reveals staff shortages, underutilized COVID funds, and inadequate medical infrastructure during AAP's tenure.

Image
Delhi minister Parvesh Verma is being greeted by minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa as the former takes charge of his office at Delhi Secretariat, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Verma has been allotted the departments of PWD, Water, Legislative Affairs, Irrigation and Flood Control, and Gurdwara Elections.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta addresses the Delhi legislative assembly, Delhi Vidhan Sabha in New Delhi, India, on Thursday.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi CM Atishi.

Overview

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report found a 21% overall staff shortage in Delhi's government health sector, including a 50-96% gap in key roles at major hospitals.
  • Only ₹582.84 crore of the ₹787.91 crore COVID-19 emergency fund provided by the central government was utilized, with significant underpayment and reduced hiring of healthcare workers.
  • Critical infrastructure deficits were flagged, with 14 of 27 hospitals lacking ICUs, 16 without blood banks, and 12 operating without ambulances.
  • The report criticized the state of Mohalla Clinics, citing missing toilets, power backups, and accessibility for disabled patients, as well as shortages of medicines and medical equipment.
  • A promise to add 32,000 hospital beds between 2016 and 2021 resulted in only 1,357 beds being delivered, with long surgery wait times further straining the system.