Dispute Between LG and AAP Over New Delhi Hospital Projects Escalates

The conflict between the Lieutenant Governor's office and the AAP government intensified on Thursday. The LG's office alleged that the construction of 24 hospitals began without planning for 38,000 necessary staff positions, including doctors and paramedics. The AAP countered, stating that the Services department, under the LG's control, is responsible for creating new posts in any department, including hospitals.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed serious concerns during a recent review meeting about the lack of planning for these hospital projects. Raj Niwas officials noted that despite the Health department and PWD starting construction, no efforts were made to create or fill these posts over the last 4-5 years. This oversight was highlighted as a significant issue during the review.

Project Planning and Financial Mismanagement

Officials revealed that civil construction for the 24 hospital projects commenced without any plans for equipment, machinery, or manpower. The LG described this as an example of poor planning and criminal neglect. They claimed no budgetary provisions were made for essential machines and equipment. As a result, there are unfinished concrete structures costing Rs 8,000 crores with no operational facilities.

The redevelopment project included 13 existing hospitals, four new ones, and re-engineering seven hospitals into ICU facilities. These projects were tendered between 2019-2021 at an estimated cost of Rs 3,906.70 crores and were expected to be completed within six months to a year using prefabricated materials. However, delays have led to an additional Rs 3,800 crores needed to complete them, doubling the initial cost.

Additional Financial Requirements

Further financial requirements include around Rs 5,000 crores for furniture and medical equipment once all projects are complete. Additionally, an operational cost of Rs 4,800 crores per year will be necessary. The LG was surprised that these costs were not included in successive budgets presented by the government.

The AAP stated that it is well-known that each year since construction began, the Cabinet has approved funds for these hospitals. They argued that creating new posts for doctors and other staff falls under the LG and Services department's responsibilities. The recruitment process through UPSC and DSSSB is beyond the elected Delhi government's control.

Health Minister's Efforts

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj held a meeting on July 3, 2023, with health officers overseeing hospital construction. He urged them to work proactively on creating new posts and filling them through UPSC/DSSSB. Despite this, the Health Secretary and Services department failed to create any new sanctioned posts for the upcoming hospitals.

The AAP also mentioned that Bharadwaj repeatedly reminded the LG and Health Secretary to ask the Services department to create sanctioned posts for these hospitals. These reminders included notes sent on June 25 and July 26 this year.

The ongoing dispute highlights significant issues in planning and financial management within Delhi's public health infrastructure projects. Both sides continue to blame each other for the delays and lack of progress in completing these crucial hospital projects.