After report on medicine shortage, CM visits hospital

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and health minister Satyendar Jain went for a surprise visit to Sanjay Gandhi hospital in Mangolpuri on Thursday morning and found several deficiencies in services.

This comes three days after the chief minister received a report from the chief secretary that less than 50% medicines were available in some Delhi government hospitals. There were reports that some CT scan and X-ray machines were also not working.

On his visit to the hospital, Kejriwal spoke to several patients and came to know that they were routinely asked to get their tests done from private laboratories and purchase medicines from pharmacies outside.

“We have made all medicines, tests and investigations free in all Delhi government hospitals. This means that the policy is not being followed,” Kejriwal said.

The minister said action will be taken against errant officers. “I have asked the medical superintendent to take action, I will also take action, and will talk to the L-G. I will pay more such visits in the days to come. We will make all systemic changes required,” said Kejriwal, adding that, if required, the superintendent too will be changed.

Some patients also complained that money was being taken from them for services at the hospital. “In such cases, the guilty will be identified and stern action will be taken against them,” the CM said.