30 per cent Doctor shortage at Delhi Hospitals, Health Minister slams LG for inaction

New Delhi: Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reported a shortage of nearly 30 per cent of doctors and specialists in many hospitals. He criticized the lack of efforts to address these critical vacancies, despite numerous requests to the Lieutenant Governor.

He noted that the LG's office has cited excuses such as the Chief Minister's unavailability and the lack of an NCCSA meeting to delay appointments for these critical positions. There was no immediate response from LG V.K. Saxena's office. Bharadwaj made this statement during a press conference where he also detailed the series of measures the Delhi government is taking to combat the spread of dengue.

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The minister stated that they have requested warnings and awareness announcements be made at all metro stations, bus stations, and other public transport hubs to inform people about dengue prevention.

Bharadwaj, emphasizing the need for all government hospitals in the city to be fully equipped to handle dengue cases, stated that he has directed several actions to the health secretary. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether these steps have been implemented.

The AAP minister instructed the health secretary to visit one government hospital each day to verify that all necessary dengue-related equipment was available. However, the minister was unsure if these visits had started. If they hadn't, he planned to personally visit the hospitals to ensure compliance.

The minister further noted that he had held a meeting with the health secretary and other officials on Friday, during which he highlighted that his previous directions had still not been implemented.

He added that he had urged schools to instruct students to wear full-sleeve clothing as a protective measure against mosquito bites, noting that while all schools were asked to enforce this, he was unsure if the directive was being effectively followed.

He also mentioned that he had directed the police transport department to be informed about breeding sites and had requested that the district magistrate and sub-divisional magistrate take up enforcement work.

The Health Minister also accused the LG's office of spreading false rumours and deliberately obstructing the recruitment process in Delhi government hospitals.

Bharadwaj emphasized that Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, appointed by the BJP-led central government, is always blamed when Delhi faces a major crisis. He noted that the response from the LG's office is consistently evasive.

He mentioned a recent incident at the Asha Kiran Home Shelter, where 13 residents died due to a shortage of doctors and paramedical staff. Bharadwaj further asserted that this tragic loss was directly attributable to the LG's failure to appoint the necessary medical personnel, despite having full control over transfers and postings.

The minister also emphasized that the LG's office had issued a misleading statement. According to the statement, the absence of an NCCSA meeting was the reason for the delay in appointing staff at Asha Kiran Home.

However, following a court order, these appointments were made without the need for an NCCSA meeting. This development exposed the falsehoods propagated by the LG’s office, he added.

According to the PTI report, Bharadwaj said, "Many hospitals are being managed by a single director or medical superintendent, who is often overburdened with responsibilities due to the lack of staff." He added, "Despite multiple letters sent to the LG highlighting that nearly 30 per cent of doctor and specialist positions remain vacant, the LG's office has responded with excuses, such as the unavailability of the chief minister and the lack of an NCCSA meeting."

The National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) is chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. It also includes the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home), who serves as the Secretary of the body.

In May last year, the panel was formed to address service matters, including the transfer and posting of Group 'A' officers and disciplinary actions against officials in the Delhi government.

Bharadwaj stated during the press conference that there are plans to use radio advertisements, campaigns, posters, hoardings, newspapers, and announcements in metro and public transport stations to raise awareness about dengue.

Sharing details about the dengue cases reported this year at the state-run Lok Nayak Hospital, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, stated, "Every year during the monsoon season, we see a rise in dengue cases due to waterlogging. As with last year, we are treating both children and adults with fever and low platelet counts. Currently, we have 60 patients, but fortunately, none of them are experiencing severe complications." He emphasized the importance of protecting oneself from mosquito bites, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable as they often play outside.

Kumar said, "It's crucial to avoid waterlogging and to recognize the dangerous signs of dengue. If you experience a fever, red spots on the body, headaches, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, or a platelet count below 20,000, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately", news agency PTI reported.

It was noted that while 95 to 98 per cent of dengue cases can be managed at home, severe symptoms necessitate hospitalization. The coming months will be crucial for addressing these issues and ensuring that Delhi’s healthcare system can provide the quality care its residents need and deserve.

Amid the broader healthcare crisis, Jain highlighted specific measures taken to address the current dengue outbreak. “At Lok Nayak Hospital, we've made special arrangements for dengue patients, including a dedicated fever ward and specialists on hand. We also have 200 units of platelets available in our blood bank to support those in need,” he added.

These efforts are part of a targeted response to manage the surge in dengue cases and provide critical support to affected patients.

The issue of doctor shortages in Delhi’s hospitals presents a significant challenge that demands immediate and comprehensive action. As the Delhi government seeks to address this crisis, the response from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and other relevant authorities will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare services in the capital.

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