A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has unveiled significant under-utilization of central funds during the COVID-19 crisis, alongside alarming deficiencies in Delhi’s medical infrastructure. The report, presented in the Assembly on Friday, highlighted a critical shortage of medical staff and excessive waiting times for major surgeries, painting a troubling picture of the capital’s healthcare system.
The seven-page CAG report is part of a series the ruling BJP plans to present, alleging corruption by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration. It specifically criticized the “dire condition” of ‘mohalla’ clinics, which were initially touted as a flagship initiative of the former government.
Key Findings of the CAG Report
The report revealed that the AAP government utilized only Rs 582.84 crore of the Rs 787.91 crore allocated by the central government during the pandemic. Notably, Rs 30.52 crore earmarked for human resources remained unspent, indicating issues with staff deployment and payment.
Additionally, while Rs 119.95 crore was allocated for essential medicines and medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), only Rs 83.14 crore was actually utilized. This shortage of PPE during the pandemic had been widely reported, raising questions about the government’s preparedness.
Staffing and Bed Shortages
The CAG report criticized the AAP government for failing to effectively increase hospital capacity. Despite budget provisions for adding 32,000 hospital beds between 2016/17 and 2020/21, only 1,357 were added. The report noted that hospital occupancy rates soared to between 101% and 189%.
In terms of staffing, the public health sector was found to be severely understaffed, with over 2,000 positions vacant across five key institutions, including Lok Nayak Hospital and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, a pediatric facility. The Janakpuri and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospitals reported staggering shortages, with 50% of doctor positions, 73% of nursing staff, and at least 17% of paramedics unfilled. Additionally, specialist doctors were notably absent at the trauma center in Lok Nayak.
Long Waiting Times for Surgeries
Patients in need of major surgeries, particularly those related to burn injuries, face lengthy delays. At Lok Nayak Hospital, the wait time extends to at least six months, while patients at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya must wait up to a year. The report also highlighted that 14 out of 27 audited hospitals lacked an intensive care unit (ICU), 16 did not have blood banks, and 12 hospitals were without ambulances.
Criticism of Mohalla Clinics
The CAG was also critical of the AAP’s ‘mohalla’ clinics, revealing that 21 of these facilities lacked bathrooms, 15 had no power backup, and 12 were not accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Political Reactions
The report is anticipated to spark significant debate in the Assembly, especially as AAP MLAs prepare to respond to the findings. The current Assembly session has already witnessed intense exchanges, particularly following the BJP’s recent electoral victory.
Ahead of the session, AAP leaders protested outside the Assembly in response to the suspension of 21 lawmakers earlier in the week. Former Chief Minister Atishi, now serving as the Leader of the Opposition, expressed concerns about the impact of these suspensions on democratic values.
The atmosphere is likely to be charged as discussions unfold, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding the alleged liquor excise policy sca
