Health Minister Pankaj Singh instructs government hospitals to maintain adequate medicine stocks, strengthen emergency preparedness and keep OPDs and medicine counters operational during notified hours.
The Delhi Government has directed all government hospitals in the national capital to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines, strengthen preparedness for monsoon-related diseases and prevent the premature closure of OPDs and medicine dispensing counters.
The directions were issued by Health Minister Pankaj Singh during a review meeting with medical superintendents and medical directors of all Delhi government hospitals. The meeting assessed medicine availability, hospital infrastructure, human resources, patient services and preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season.
The minister said the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that government hospitals remain fully equipped to meet healthcare needs, particularly during the monsoon, when the incidence of seasonal diseases is expected to rise.
During the review, officials informed the minister that hospitals currently have more than 90 per cent availability of medicines, consumables and surgical items. While expressing satisfaction over the stock position, Singh directed hospital heads to immediately report any shortage of medicines so that timely intervention could be ensured.
The minister also warned that OPDs and medicine dispensing counters must not be closed before their scheduled timings, stating that any disruption in patient services would not be tolerated.
Keeping in view the monsoon season, hospitals have been instructed to procure medicines locally whenever necessary to avoid shortages and remain prepared for a possible increase in dengue, chikungunya, malaria and other water-borne diseases. Hospitals have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and consumables, ensure sufficient ICU and operational bed capacity and strengthen emergency response systems.
Singh reviewed the status of nearly 18,000 beds across Delhi government hospitals and directed hospital administrations to assess future requirements, particularly in maternity and emergency wards, and submit proposals for additional beds wherever required.
The minister also reviewed the progress of new hospital blocks and instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite pending construction, repair and renovation works, especially in dilapidated hospital buildings.
Emphasising quality healthcare, Singh directed hospitals to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene standards and report shortages of radiologists to strengthen diagnostic services. Medical superintendents have also been instructed to inspect hospital premises, identify infrastructure-related issues and coordinate with the PWD for their early resolution.
The meeting further reviewed hospital infrastructure, information technology systems, inter-departmental coordination, emergency medical services and the progress of ABHA ID generation. The minister directed hospitals to submit reports every 15 days on ABHA ID registrations, pending PWD issues and other operational matters requiring government intervention.
