Expedite completion of Upcoming Hospital Projects: HC directs Delhi Govt
Delhi High Court
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court called for immediate action to expedite the complications of several state-run hospital projects that have stalled for an extended period. If left unfinished, these facilities will turn into obsolete structures.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora on Tuesday expressed concerns over the pending hospital projects. They have highlighted that some hospital projects were nearly 85% complete and further delays could lead to escalating costs.
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The suo motu case, initiated in 2017, is under the court's scrutiny. The case addresses critical care in government hospitals throughout the capital. The Delhi government has reported that a committee has been established in response to the court’s inquiries to address these issues.
The bench criticized the current state of the hospital projects labeling them as “haphazard” and incomplete. A status report filed by the Delhi government says that there are plans underway for the construction of 11 “greenfield” and 13 “brownfield” hospitals in the city.
The court has further emphasized the need to implement the recommendations of the Dr. S.K. Sarin Committee which is focused on reforming critical care services. The director of the AIIMS has been directed to oversee this initiative. A review meeting is scheduled for November 8th, the meeting includes some senior city officials, the chief secretary, and the AIIMS director. The further hearing for this case is scheduled for November 13th.
Notably, the court declined a request for the health minister to attend the upcoming meeting, stating that any concerns should be directed to the AIIMS director for consideration.
These ongoing delays in the hospital projects portray the broader issues in the public healthcare system. By addressing the delays, the court highlights the wider implications for public health.
