Despite govt order,MCD lags behind on health front

The Delhi government had also made a budgetary allocation of Rs 1.94 crore for the purpose.

According to a senior MCD official,as the Hindu Rao Hospital in North Delhi has a capacity of around 1,000 beds,it has been designated as the ‘primary response centre’ for Games events to be held in the North district area.

The hospital has been given the responsibility of providing health services in the Delhi University Stadium and Hindu College,and the MCD will be purchasing equipment for health centres that are to be developed soon.

Incidentally,the civic body has not called for tenders to purchase the required items. MCD officials said as very little time is left for the Games,the Corporation has decided to waive off the “normal purchase procedure” that involves calling for tenders.

Speaking on the matter,MCD Standing Committee Chairperson Yogender Chandolia said the purchase of the items required for designated centres attached to Hindu Rao Hospital has been approved by the Delhi government.

“MCD has nothing to do with the process. The funds were allocated by the Delhi government. The rates and agencies have also been approved by the government,and the state has arrived at a consensus for waiving of the tender-calling procedure as the work needs to be completed soon,” said Chandolia.

“MCD is buying the equipment because the Hindu Rao Hospital,which falls under the corporation’s jurisdiction,has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing services for the gala sporting event,” he said.

According to MCD officials,the 980-bed Hindu Rao hospital also runs 12 bedded Intensive Care Units. The hospital will work in tandem with health and training centres at the venues during the mega event.

Once the Games is over,the purchased items and equipments will be put to use at the Hindu Rao Hospital for better treatment of patients. “If required,a few of them could also be issued to other medical institutions of the civic agency,” Chandolia added.