CAG Report Reveals Lack of Toilets in 21 AAP Mohalla Clinics and Unused Covid Fund
The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) recently released a report highlighting the under-utilisation of funds provided by the central government during the COVID-19 crisis in Delhi. The report also pointed out severe shortages of staff, long waiting times for major surgeries, and the dire condition of neighborhood clinics in the city.
Under-utilisation of Funds and Staff Shortages
According to the CAG report, the AAP government in Delhi used only Rs 582.84 crore out of the Rs 787.91 crore released by the central government during the COVID-19 pandemic. This under-utilisation included Rs 30.52 crore for human resources, indicating a lack of staff deployment. Additionally, only Rs 83.14 crore out of the Rs 119.95 crore released for medicines and medical supplies, including PPE, was used.
The report also highlighted the failure of the AAP government to increase hospital beds despite budget provisions. Only 1,357 beds were added out of the planned 32,000 beds from 2016/17 to 2020/21. The occupancy rate in hospitals ranged from 101% to 189%, indicating a severe shortage of beds. The report also pointed out a significant shortage of manpower in the public health sector, with over 2,000 staff shortfall in five institutions.
Long Waiting Times for Surgeries and Lack of Infrastructure
Patients requiring major surgeries, especially related to burn injuries, had to wait for at least six months at Lok Nayak hospital. The report also noted that 14 out of 27 audited hospitals did not have an ICU, 16 did not have blood banks, and 12 did not have ambulances.
The CAG report was also critical of the condition of neighborhood clinics, stating that 21 clinics did not have bathrooms, 15 had no power back-up, and 12 were not disabled-friendly. The report highlighted the overall lack of infrastructure and facilities in these clinics.
BJP vs AAP On Auditors’ Reports
The release of the CAG report is expected to spark debates and chaos in the Assembly, with AAP MLAs likely to respond to the findings. The BJP has vowed to present more such reports as proof of corruption by the previous AAP government. The ongoing clashes between the two parties in the Assembly have intensified, with the recent suspension of 21 lawmakers adding fuel to the fire.
The first session of the Assembly after the BJP’s recent election victory has already seen heated arguments and protests. The opposition is raising concerns about democratic values, while the ruling party is pushing forward with its agenda to expose alleged corruption and mismanagement by the AAP government.
As the political tensions escalate, the healthcare infrastructure in Delhi remains under scrutiny, with calls for urgent reforms and improvements to address the critical shortages and deficiencies highlighted in the CAG report.