The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the Delhi government’s proposal to open 1,000 “Aam Aadmi Clinics” in the Capital by the next year despite its alleged failure to revive the 228 existing Primary Health Centres.
The PHCs are reportedly struggling to provide basic health services due to shortage of doctors, para-medical staff, medicines and laboratory facilities. As many as 79 PHCs in Delhi were operating from rented premises, noted the Commission.
The NHRC took note of a recent media report on the subject, which had pointed towards a “glimmer of hope” on the one hand and a “state of despair” on the other.
Issuing a notice returnable in four weeks to the Delhi Government's Principal Health Secretary, the Commission observed that the proposed plan to set up new clinics was a gradual process.
“At the same time, it is of paramount importance that the existing healthcare infrastructure in the city is made functional in all respects and put to optimum use.”
