Patients at the Delhi government-run Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital were being asked to buy medicines and have medical tests conducted from elsewhere, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal found during a surprise check on Thursday.
In a violation of the government’s policy, Mr. Kejriwal said, several “deficiencies” had crept in at the hospital in Mangolpuri. Earlier this week, the CM had instructed the Chief Secretary to ensure that all medicines and consumables were available, and the equipment at government hospitals fully functional.
Number of complaints
After Thursday’s visit, he said that several patients had told him that they were satisfied with the functioning of the hospital, but a number of them had complaints. “I found that there are many deficiencies in the hospital. Our government has taken a vow that money won’t be an issue in any of the works in health and education sectors. We have made all medicines, tests and investigations free in all Delhi government hospitals,” he said.
Despite the government’s policy, the CM said, patients were being asked to have tests done elsewhere, buy medicines and consumables from outside.
“In some cases they are being asked to get some basic tests done from outside. This means the policy is not being followed at the lower level,” said Mr. Kejriwal. He added that he had asked the Medical Superintendent of the hospital to take action.
