Family Alleges Treatment Delay Over Payment Issues; Multi-Departmental Inspection Finds Multiple Violations
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of medical negligence and administrative irregularities at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, after a complaint was submitted by the family of a deceased patient during a public hearing at the Mukhyamantri Jan Seva Sadan.
According to the complaint, a young man who sustained stab injuries in the Shalimar Bagh area was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. His family alleged that the hospital delayed medical care due to payment-related issues, ultimately leading to his death.
Acting on the complaint, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. A multi-departmental inspection team, led by Central-North District Magistrate S.S. Parihar, visited the hospital on Thursday. The team included officials from the health department, municipal corporation, fire services, and other concerned agencies.
Inspection Reveals Multiple Irregularities
During the inspection, officials reportedly identified several irregularities, including alleged violations of building by-laws, unauthorized construction, deficiencies in fire safety measures, misuse of basement areas, and lapses in compliance with standard operating procedures governing patient treatment.
The inquiry team also reviewed CCTV footage related to the incident. According to officials, the footage showed that the injured youth entered the hospital’s emergency department on his own, indicating that timely medical intervention could potentially have improved his chances of survival.
Emergency Records Examined
Authorities also examined emergency department records as part of the ongoing investigation. District Magistrate S.S. Parihar stated that appropriate action would be initiated against the hospital in light of the irregularities and the alleged lapses in patient care. He added that a detailed inquiry report is currently being prepared.
Fortis Hospital Responds
Responding to the allegations, Fortis Hospital said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance.
In a statement to The Indian Express, the hospital said, “Fortis remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance. We will review the details once formally shared with us and extend our full cooperation to the authorities. Patient safety and well-being continue to be our foremost priority.”
The investigation is underway, and authorities are expected to determine whether any violations of medical protocols or regulatory norms occurred in the handling of the emergency case.
