Delhi CM Rekha Gupta flags gaps during surprise visit to Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital

New Delhi, April 23 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday carried out a surprise inspection at Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital and directed the administration to improve the availability of medicines, sanitation, and seating facilities for senior citizens in the waiting area.

The inspection also revealed gaps in doctor availability, overcrowding in the OPD, and flaws in the online appointment and token systems, a statement said.

During the visit, several elderly patients told the Chief Minister that they had been standing in queues since 8 a.m. without being attended to. Taking serious note, Gupta expressed strong displeasure with the hospital administration, calling the situation “completely unacceptable”.

She directed officials to immediately ensure adequate seating arrangements and implement a streamlined token system so that patients, especially the elderly, are not forced to wait for hours.

She toured the OPD, wards, pharmacy counters, sanitation systems, water supply, digital services, and other key departments. Interacting directly with patients and their attendants, the Chief Minister sought first-hand feedback on the hospital’s functioning and ordered immediate corrective measures based on the complaints received.

She noted that despite the existence of an online booking mechanism, patients continued to face long queues.

Pulling up officials, the Chief Minister ordered better integration of online and offline systems to minimise waiting time. Noting heavy footfall in the orthopaedics department, she discussed workflow with doctors and stressed the need to maintain quality treatment amid the rush.

Several patients complained about the unavailability of medicines, forcing them to purchase drugs from outside.

The Chief Minister immediately ordered a check of stock registers and announced a zero-tolerance policy on shortages of medicines and vaccines. “If a medicine is needed today, it must be provided today,” she said, terming it a serious lapse to inconvenience citizens over basic healthcare needs.

Officials informed her that a large number of patients visit the vaccination unit daily for rabies and other injections. She directed the authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines and vaccines.

Patients and their families also raised concerns about poor sanitation, water supply issues, and a lack of basic amenities. On hearing repeated complaints about unhygienic conditions and dysfunctional toilets, the Chief Minister sharply reprimanded officials, saying that ignoring such issues despite clear feedback from patients and staff amounted to gross negligence.

She made it clear that deficiencies in cleanliness, medicines, and basic facilities would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

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