The Delhi High Court has called for immediate action to accelerate the completion of multiple state-run hospital projects that have been delayed for years. If these projects are not finished soon, the court warned, they will become obsolete and waste public funds. The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora, expressed serious concern about the status of these incomplete facilities during a hearing on Tuesday.

The court noted that some of these hospital projects are nearly 85% complete, yet they remain stalled, which could lead to rising costs and increased pressure on public health infrastructure. Acknowledging the severe impact of these delays, the bench remarked that the government must find a way to finish the projects and avoid squandering the substantial resources already invested. The bench's comments were made in reference to a PTI report that highlighted the urgency of completing these facilities. As stated in the report, the bench emphasized, “The minister will have to find a way of completing the project. Huge money has been pumped in.”

The case in question is a suo motu petition initiated by the court in 2017, which seeks to address critical issues in government hospitals throughout the national capital. The Delhi government has informed the court that a dedicated committee has been formed to look into the matter and work towards a resolution. This committee is expected to find ways to expedite the completion of the hospital projects and improve the overall public healthcare system in the city.

The bench was particularly critical of the current state of the projects, describing the work as “haphazard” and incomplete. The court reviewed a status report filed by the Delhi government, which revealed that there are plans for constructing 11 new “greenfield” hospitals and renovating 13 existing “brownfield” hospitals in the city. These projects, if completed, could significantly enhance healthcare services in the capital.

Additionally, the court has stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations made by the Dr. S.K. Sarin Committee, which was formed to improve critical care services in government hospitals. The court has instructed the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to take charge of overseeing the implementation of these recommendations. A review meeting is scheduled for November 8, where senior officials, including the chief secretary of Delhi and the AIIMS director, will discuss the progress of the hospital projects and other healthcare reforms.

The next hearing for the case is set for November 13, by which time the court expects to see tangible progress on these hospital projects. The court made it clear that any further delays will not be tolerated, as they pose a significant threat to the capital’s healthcare system.

Interestingly, the court declined a request for the Delhi health minister to attend the upcoming meeting. The bench ruled that any concerns or issues should be directed to the AIIMS director, who is responsible for overseeing the hospital projects and healthcare reforms.

The ongoing delays in these hospital projects shed light on broader systemic issues within India’s public healthcare system. By addressing these delays, the court is not only working to ensure that the hospital projects are completed, but it is also bringing attention to the deeper problems that have long plagued public health in the country. If these projects are completed on time, they could have a lasting impact on the healthcare infrastructure of Delhi, ensuring better access to critical care for millions of residents.

The court's active involvement in these hospital projects underscores its commitment to improving public health services in the capital. The delay in completing these projects reflects poorly on the government’s ability to manage public resources effectively, and the court’s push for progress signals a turning point in addressing these challenges.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)