Delhi’s ‘healthcare model’ on life support, says L-G; health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj hits back

Saxena shot off a letter to Bharadwaj flagging the issue at the two hospitals and said the “‘Delhi Model’ of health service delivery appears to be on life support”. Bharadwaj said he has been getting feedback from the ground that there is a scarcity of medicines and consumables in Delhi government’s health facilities and asked Saxena “not to engage in politics” but to take appropriate action against bureaucrats who were allegedly misleading the government about the situation and possibly trying to create a health crisis in Delhi.

Underlining the absence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal — currently behind bars in the liquor policy case — in whose absence he was writing to Bharadwa, Saxena said: “… On two occasions over the last week, I requested you to come for a discussion on issues of public importance related to healthcare… However, you chose to disregard the invitation…”

Accusing the minister of shirking his responsibility, Saxena said he was “appalled at the pathetic state of affairs prevailing in Delhi government hospitals”. “It is indeed shocking that the much-touted ‘Delhi Model’ of health service delivery lies in shambles — indeed it appears to be on life support ventilator… I am surprised that hospitals in the Capital run by Delhi government are not equipped with even basic consumables like cotton,” he alleged.

In retaliation, Bharadwaj invited the L-G to visit a few Delhi government hospitals where a majority of patients came from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

He also said, “I have been getting feedback from the ground that there is a scarcity of medicines and consumables in Delhi government’s health facilities. I had multiple meetings with MS & MD of all hospitals and even they had confirmed there is a scarcity…”

Bharadwaj said knowing this situation, for the last two months, he issued multiple written directions to the Health Secretary and Chief Secretary to solve these issues and repeatedly asked them to share their plan of action along with timelines. “What will poor people do if they do not get free medicines at Delhi government hospitals and other health facilities?… Why is Hon’ble L-G not saying even a word about the initiation of an inquiry against the Chief Secretary and Health Secretary?” he demanded.

On Bharadwaj seeking disciplinary action against bureaucrats, the L-G said the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA), chaired by the CM, recommended transfers, postings and vigilance/ disciplinary actions. “However, the Chief Minister, for reasons best known to him, had chosen not to convene any meeting of NCCSA in the last six months,” Saxena said.

Bharadwaj shot back: “Only the L-G or MHA can initiate inquiry against CS and Health Secretary. CS being part of NCCSA cannot adjudicate his own case.”