Delhi’s hospital suffer 30% shortage of Doctors

Emphasising that there is a shortage of nearly 30 per cent of doctors and specialists at many hospitals in the city, Delhi health minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Tuesday alleged that despite repeated requests to the Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, ‘no efforts have been made to fill these critical vacancies’.

City minister further said that excuses such as the unavailability of the chief minister and the lack of an NCCSA meeting, are being cited by the LG’s office to delay appointment for these positions. He also accused the LG office of spreading false rumours and deliberately obstructing the recruitment process in Delhi government hospitals.

He highlighted that when a major crisis occurs in Delhi and the blame is placed on Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who has been appointed by the BJP-led central government, the response from the LG’s office is always evasive.

Citing a recent incident at the Asha Kiran Home Shelter, where 13 residents died due to a lack of doctors and paramedical staff, the minister said that this tragic loss was a direct result of the LG’s failure to appoint necessary medical personnel, despite having full control over transfers and postings.

As Mr Bharadwaj was addressing a press meet, he said that the series of measures have been taken by the Delhi government to combat the spread of dengue, but was unsure if those steps have been implemented. “We have requested that warnings and awareness announcements be made across all metro stations, bus stations and other public transport hubs to inform people about dengue prevention,” the minister said.

The AAP minister said, “I have directed the health secretary to visit one government hospital each day to check that all necessary dengue-related equipment is available. However, I’m uncertain if these visits have commenced. If not, I will personally visit the hospitals and ensure compliance.”