NHRC issues notice to Delhi Govt over non-functional hospitals

National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Delhi Government over two super speciality hospitals in the national capital which were started 16 years ago but has not been fully functional even today.
According to an official statement released today, a notice has been issued in this regard to the Chief Secretary, Delhi Government, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
The notice was issued after the Commission took suo motu cognizance of media reports that two Super Speciality Hospitals namely, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in East Delhi (600 bedded) and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital (300 bedded) in West Delhi, constructed at a cost of over Rs 150 crore, were still not ready to take in patients 16 years after the projects were started.

"Both have the unique distinction of being mentioned in the State Budget by successive Governments for 15 straight years till 2013, while claiming success in augmenting specialized healthcare facilities. But not a single patient was admitted in the hospitals till date," the statement said.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights and also wastage of public money due to indecisiveness of the public servants.
Reportedly, in Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, except for one corner of the building, where dialysis services were being run on Public-Private Partnership mode, medical gas pipeline was yet to be installed. Most of the hospital did not have even air-conditioning or proper electricity connection. OPD services were being run from the Doctors' Hostel.

At Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, OPD services were being run from a few rooms, while most others remained locked. There was no Super Specialist except the Director of the hospital.
Allegedly, crores of rupees were allocated in the Budget to these hospitals during the year 2011-2012 but the amount allocated and spent on patient care was meagre.
"Irregularities were found in the quantity of medicines shown in the Distribution Register as well as in purchase and use of equipment. The Auditors pointed out that delay in commissioning hospitals had resulted in blockage of Government funds as well as undue wastage of Government property for an indefinite period," the statement said.