New Delhi | A recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has exposed serious shortcomings in Delhi’s public healthcare system, highlighting overcrowded hospitals, gaps in tuberculosis control, underutilised funds, and weak implementation of welfare schemes.
Audit Reveals Pressure on Hospitals and Patient Care
The PAC reviewed findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which pointed to an overwhelming patient load in government hospitals. Patients are facing long delays at every stage—from registration to diagnostics and pharmacy services.
Doctors reportedly spend less than five minutes per patient, while surgeries often require waiting periods stretching over several months. Basic infrastructure issues such as lack of clean toilets, seating areas, and overcrowded wards further worsen patient experience.
Tuberculosis Control and SDG Targets Lagging
The report flagged major deficiencies in tuberculosis (TB) control, including lack of awareness campaigns, staff shortages, and weak monitoring systems. Delays in forming district-level DR-TB committees and failure to conduct follow-ups were also highlighted.
These gaps are impacting Delhi’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all by 2030. Indicators such as TB and suicide rates remain areas of concern.
Welfare Schemes Failing to Reach Beneficiaries
The PAC noted poor implementation of schemes like the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) free treatment and Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK). Despite treating nearly 13.89 crore patients, only 43,951 EWS patients were referred for benefits.
Additionally, 19 out of 47 hospitals have not established referral centres even after 15 years, indicating systemic inefficiencies. Patients under DAK also face delays of three to eight months for diagnostics and surgeries due to poor tracking and monitoring systems.
Severe Staff Shortages Impact Healthcare Delivery
The audit revealed that around 21% of healthcare posts remain vacant, with even higher shortages in specialist and paramedical roles. Under National Health Mission (NHM), there is a 36% shortfall.
The PAC has urged immediate recruitment, creation of a permanent specialist cadre, and reduction in reliance on outsourced staff to strengthen service delivery.
Medicine Supply Gaps and Procurement Issues
Significant gaps in medicine procurement and supply were also flagged. Hospitals are forced to procure 33–47% of medicines locally due to delays in central supply.
The absence of a Delhi State Formulary since 1994 and irregular updates to the Essential Drug List have further complicated the situation. The PAC stressed the need for transparent procurement systems and strict quality control to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines.
Infrastructure Delays and Underutilised Funds
Against a target of adding 10,000 hospital beds, only around 1,300 have been completed so far. Multiple infrastructure projects are facing delays, and existing facilities are underutilised.
Financial management also remains weak, with health spending at just 0.79% of GSDP—far below the 2.5% target. Over ₹510 crore under NHM remained unspent, and utilisation stood at only 46.46% as of December 2025.
Regulatory Failures Raise Safety Concerns
The PAC report also pointed to regulatory lapses, noting that bodies like the Delhi Medical Council, Nursing Council, and Pharmacy Council are not functioning effectively.
Issues such as delays in drug testing, lack of accreditation for laboratories, and staff shortages are directly affecting patient safety and quality of care.
PAC Calls for Time-Bound Reforms
The committee has directed authorities to implement a year-wise action plan with strict monitoring and ensure progress is reviewed by June 30, 2026. It emphasized that systemic reforms, better planning, and accountability are critical to improving Delhi’s public healthcare system.
