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New Delhi: The much-publicized health model of the previous Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, centered around Mohalla Clinics, has come under scrutiny following revelations in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. The report highlights significant gaps in basic medical infrastructure and under-utilisation of allocated funds in government hospitals across Delhi.
The CAG report on ‘Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services’ in Delhi has flagged multiple lapses in the AAP government’s approach, indicating failures in key health indices. These findings come shortly after the CAG report on the now-revoked Excise Policy created uproar in the Delhi Assembly, leading to the suspension of several AAP members.
Mohalla Clinics Lacking Basic Amenities
According to sources familiar with the audit, many of AAP’s Mohalla Clinics were found deficient in essential healthcare facilities. The report outlines several shortcomings:
- 21 Mohalla Clinics lacked toilets.
- 15 did not have power backup.
- 6 had no table for check-ups.
- 12 were inaccessible to physically challenged patients.
Furthermore, AYUSH dispensaries were also found to be in poor condition under the previous administration:
- 17 dispensaries lacked power backup.
- 7 did not have toilets.
- 14 had no access to drinking water.
Government Hospitals Struggling with Manpower and Infrastructure
The report also highlights severe lapses in government-run hospitals, pointing to shortages of healthcare professionals and essential medical services. Notable concerns include:
- Shortage of specialist doctors.
- Under-utilisation of operation theatres.
- Ill-equipped ambulances.
- An overall manpower deficit, with a 21% shortage in nursing staff and 38% in paramedic staff.
The report specifically mentions inadequacies in major hospitals like Lok Nayak Hospital and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya. Additionally, the promised expansion of hospital infrastructure fell short, with only 1,357 beds added against a target of 32,000 between 2016-17 and 2020-21.
In the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH), several critical facilities remained non-functional, including:
- 6 modular/semi-modular OTs.
- Stone Centre and Transplant ICU.
- Kitchen and 77 private/special rooms.
- 16 ICU beds and 154 general beds.
- Resident Doctors’ Hostel.
COVID-19 Fund Mismanagement
The CAG report also flags massive under-utilisation of funds meant for handling the COVID-19 crisis. Out of the Rs 787.91 crore allocated, only Rs 582.84 crore was used.
- Rs 83.14 crore out of the Rs 119.85 crore released for drugs, PPE kits, and masks remained unutilised.
The report terms this as “criminal negligence” given the critical nature of the pandemic response.
Essential Medical Services Missing in Many Hospitals
The report further highlights the lack of crucial healthcare services across multiple hospitals:
- ICU services were unavailable in 14 hospitals.
- Blood Bank services were absent in 16 hospitals.
- Oxygen services were not available in 8 hospitals.
- Mortuary services were lacking in 15 hospitals.
- Ambulance services were unavailable in 12 hospitals.
Failure of Central Procurement Agency (CPA)
The CAG report also criticized the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) for its failure in supplying essential drugs to hospitals. Hospitals had to procure 33-47% of the required medicines themselves due to CPA’s shortcomings, raising concerns about the efficacy of centralised procurement.
Political Repercussions
The findings of this audit are expected to create significant political ripples, further challenging AAP’s claims of having revolutionized healthcare in Delhi. The party, which has consistently promoted its healthcare model as one of its key achievements, is likely to face strong opposition criticism in light of these revelations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the CAG report findings and does not represent an independent verification of facts. The AAP government’s response to the report is awaited.
