Emergency meeting held to address security, infra issues at city hospitals
In an effort to restore law and order and improve infrastructure at the capital’s largest government-run medical institutions, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday chaired an emergency review meeting at the request of hospital authorities. The meeting focused on the deteriorating security and civic conditions at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital (GIPMER) and Guru Nanak Eye Centre Complex.
Top officials from the Delhi Police, PWD, ASI, MCD, Education Department and Health Department were present, along with Health Minister Pankaj Singh and heads of the four institutions. The review was prompted by alarming complaints from students and hospital staff, who highlighted growing threats from criminal elements, illegal encroachments, and inadequate living conditions.
Following the meeting, the PWD was directed to immediately prepare a comprehensive plan to build accommodation and associated infrastructure for at least 4,000 students and doctors. The Delhi Police has been ordered to step up presence in the campus and take strict action against bootleggers and drug cartels operating from within the premises.
Officials revealed that a large number of unauthorised structures had proliferated on land allotted to the hospitals. A detailed presentation with geo-tagged images showed that four illegal jhuggi clusters had encroached upon more than 25 acres of land. In several cases, government flats meant for staff were being illegally occupied or sublet commercially by retired employees.
The meeting was told that due to rampant encroachments, the gated complex had become a public thoroughfare. The security risk, especially to women students and doctors, was further aggravated by the reported sale of illicit liquor and drugs. The police confirmed that several anti-social elements were operating freely in the area, making it a hub for criminal activity.
In a significant decision, all land-owning agencies and hospital authorities have been instructed to conduct a joint survey of hospital land to demarcate and identify encroachments. Religious structures found on the premises have been referred to the Religious Committee for further action. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the GNCTD Education Department will issue notices to schools illegally running within the hospital grounds. The Archaeological Survey of India has also been directed to act against encroachers on protected monuments under its jurisdiction.
Dean of MAMC highlighted that although the ASI had granted a three-month window in 2023-24 for essential repairs, the previous government failed to release funds, forcing the college to rely on crowdfunding to carry out minor maintenance.
The L-G expressed shock over the state of affairs in what he described as the city’s most critical medical complex. CM Rekha Gupta, too, pointed toward alleged political patronage under the previous government, which she said contributed to the current mess.
Periodic Action Taken Reports, along with photographs, have been mandated to be submitted to the L-G Secretariat, Chief Minister’s Office, and the Health Minister’s Office to track progress on each directive.
Delhi