New Delhi: Delhi’s healthcare system is set for a major transformation, with the city government introducing reforms aimed at improving hospital infrastructure, management, and service delivery, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has announced.
Key Reforms Planned
- Pilot Projects: The government will soon launch polyclinics offering primary and secondary daycare services while also collecting patient data to enhance healthcare delivery.
- Addressing Manpower Shortage: More doctors and healthcare professionals will be recruited to tackle the staff deficit in government hospitals.
- Better Medicine Supply: Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Delhi government hospitals will receive higher quality medicines for effective treatment.
- Enhanced Health Coverage: The new BJP government has approved Rs 10 lakh healthcare coverage for each beneficiary under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with both the Centre and Delhi government contributing Rs 5 lakh each.
Phased Implementation of Reforms
Health Minister Singh stated that reforms would be implemented in two phases over the next six months:
- First Phase: Focus on essential improvements, such as upgrading facilities and manpower.
- Second Phase: Introduction of major structural changes and long-term healthcare projects.
Singh also criticized the AAP government’s mohalla clinics, claiming that 90% operated in rented properties, with many being non-functional or in unsuitable locations. The new administration plans to streamline and enhance healthcare services by addressing these gaps.
Government Hospitals Identified for Upgrades
Several major government hospitals have been shortlisted for improvement and modernization. Singh, who is a doctor himself, assured that medical professionals would receive better facilities and support to serve patients more effectively.
He emphasized that healthcare remains a top priority for the BJP, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda.
CAG Report Highlights Challenges in Delhi’s Healthcare
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, tabled in the Assembly, pointed out significant issues in Delhi’s healthcare system:
- Underutilization of operation theatres
- Severe staff and medicine shortages
- Emergency services suffering due to lack of specialist doctors
- Delays of up to 10 months in surgeries due to manpower shortages
- 21% staff shortage in the Health and Family Welfare Department
Singh assured that the government would personally oversee hospital management and introduce measures to make healthcare more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all citizens.
