The CAG Report on "Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services" in Delhi, tabled on February 28, 2025, by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the Delhi Assembly, has brought to light numerous critical shortcomings in the city's healthcare system.
Below are the key highlights of the Report:
■ Shortages of Staff: The report identifies a significant shortage of healthcare staff across various institutions. Specifically, there was a 21% deficit in the Health and Family Welfare Department’s workforce, with nurses and paramedic staff shortages at approximately 21% and 38%, respectively.
■ Inadequate Infrastructure: Many hospitals lack essential facilities. Out of 27 hospitals reviewed:
14 lacked Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities.
16 had no blood banks.
8 had no oxygen supply.
12 operated without ambulance services.
15 were without mortuary services.
■ Mohalla Clinics Deficiencies: The much-touted Mohalla Clinics were found to be lacking basic amenities:
21 clinics had no toilets.
15 had no power backup.
6 lacked tables for check-ups.
12 were inaccessible to the physically disabled.
Consultations often lasted less than a minute for 70% of patients.
■ Long Waiting Times: Patients faced excessive delays for medical procedures. For instance waiting times were 2-3 months for general surgeries and 6-8 months for burn and plastic surgeries.
■ Underutilization of Funds: The report points to financial mismanagement. For example, ₹83.14 crore out of ₹119.85 crore allocated for drugs and supplies (including PPE and masks) remained unspent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, only ₹582.84 crore of the ₹787.91 crore released by the central government was utilized.
■ Limited Bed Expansion: Despite a target of adding 32,000 beds in government hospitals only 1,357 beds were added (approx 4% of the goal).
■ Cost Overruns & Delays: Significant cost overruns were noted, with an additional ₹382 crore spent beyond budgets in three hospitals. Of eight new hospitals under construction during the audit period only three were completed.
These findings reveal a stark contrast between the previous Delhi government’s claims of a robust healthcare system and the ground reality, pointing to serious gaps in infrastructure, staffing, financial management, and patient care. The report has significant implications for addressing the healthcare needs of Delhi’s growing population and underscores the urgency for reforms.
For these reports what I like, they don't just talk about shortcomings and inefficiencies in systems, but also give recommendations that what steps Govt should take to improve the system and provide better Health facility to Public. Thanks.
* If want to study/review report in detail, please use following link to have access/download the report:
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