Union Health Ministry Committee Clears Safdarjung Hospital of Corruption Allegations

A committee formed by the Union Health Ministry has dismissed allegations of corruption and bribery for admission and beds at Safdarjung Hospital, contradicting claims made by AAP leader Dilip Pandey.

The Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi has refuted allegations of corruption and bribery for admission and beds at the facility. The hospital's response comes after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Dilip Pandey claimed at a press conference that bribes were being paid to touts at Safdarjung Hospital and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi to secure admission and beds.

AAP Leader's Allegations

Pandey cited the case of a 14-year-old cancer patient who was allegedly denied admission to these hospitals. He stated that the girl was referred from the Delhi government's Cancer Institute but was unable to obtain a bed despite her relatives' efforts at both AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital.

AIIMS' Response

In response to the allegations, AIIMS Delhi conducted an inquiry and provided a detailed account of the patient's case. According to AIIMS, the patient named Fayza was admitted and treated at the Rajiv Gandhi Superspeciality Hospital from October 26 to November 23. She was later registered in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Dr. BRA-IRCH on December 4, where she was diagnosed with T Lymphoblastic Lymphoma by a consultant.

AIIMS stated that the patient was referred to the emergency department for management as per standard practice. However, instead of visiting the emergency department, the patient went to the media. Subsequently, the AIIMS Media Cell contacted the patient and advised her to seek treatment in the emergency department. The patient visited the emergency department on December 5 at 11:07 AM, where investigations and treatment were carried out. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to her illness at 5:20 PM on the same day.

Dr. Rima Dada, Professor in charge of the Media Cell at AIIMS, emphasized the hospital's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. She explained that AIIMS has an emergency dashboard that provides real-time information on the availability of beds, ensuring transparency and fairness in patient admissions.

Safdarjung Hospital's Response

Safdarjung Hospital also issued a statement refuting the allegations. The hospital stated that a three-member committee constituted by the Union Health Ministry interacted with several patients outside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the hospital campus. The committee found no merit in the allegations and will submit a detailed report to the ministry soon.

The responses from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS Delhi strongly refute the allegations of corruption and bribery. Both hospitals have provided detailed accounts of their respective cases, emphasizing their commitment to providing quality healthcare services and ensuring transparency in patient admissions.