No ICUs In 14 Delhi Hospitals, No Toilets In 21 Mohalla Clinics: CM Rekha Gupta Tables CAG Report In Delhi Assembly

The latest CAG report highlights severe deficiencies in Delhi's healthcare infrastructure. It reveals underutilisation of funds, inadequate facilities in Mohalla clinics, and a critical shortage of hospital beds and staff.

No ICUs In 14 Delhi Hospitals, No Toilets In 21 Mohalla Clinics: CAG Report Tabled In Delhi Assembly Reveals

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday tabled the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on 'Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services' in the Delhi Assembly.

In a significant development, a recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Delhi's healthcare infrastructure is facing severe negligence and an acute shortage of equipment and healthcare workers.

The seven-page CAG report was tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Friday and also pointed out the "dire condition" of 'mohalla' clinics in Delhi- a flagship measure of the earlier Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Hospital Infrastructure Deficiencies

According to the audit, the team examined a total of 27 hospitals across Delhi and discovered these major gaps:

1. Intensive Care Units (ICUs): 14 hospitals lack ICU facilities, compromising the capacity to provide critical care.
2. Blood Banks: 16 hospitals do not have blood banks, posing risks during emergencies.
3. Oxygen Supply: Eight hospitals lack oxygen systems, essential for patient care.
4. Mortuaries: Fifteen hospitals do not have mortuaries, affecting post-mortem services.

The report further revealed that critical infrastructure, such as operation theaters, ICU beds, and private rooms, are also underutilized at facilities like Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospitals.

CAG Reports Major Healthcare Failure In Delhi Hospitals

The CAG report noted that Delhi hospitals did not have enough doctors and nurses, key equipment in ambulances, and ICUs and that there was a dearth of funding for maternal health programmes.

Also, apart from major and renowned hospitals lacking basic medical facilities, the CAG also reported an acute shortage of healthcare facilities at the mohalla clinics and AYUSH dispensaries.

1. As many as 10 mohalla clinics in the state lack drinking water availability. 21 of the total mohalla clinics don't even have toilets.
2. The CAG report revealed that many clinics lack essential medical tools such as pulse oximeters, glucometers, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors.
3. In 39 out of the 81 clinics checked, there was an acute shortage of essential medicines.
4. The audit also highlighted that the state hospitals lack proper healthcare facilities. A 21% shortage in nurses count. 38% shortage in paramedics.

"Despite plans to add 32,000 new hospital beds between 2016-17 and 2020-21, only 1,357 beds were added, which means only 4.2% of the target was fulfilled. Some hospitals reported occupancy rates 101-189%, leading to patients sharing beds or lying on the floors."

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