Rahul Gandhi Highlights ‘Distressing’ Conditions of Patients and Families Outside AIIMS in Letter to Nadda, Atishi

New Delhi, Jan 20, 2025: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, addressed a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, urging immediate action to address the “distressing” plight of patients and their families outside AIIMS, Delhi. He called for urgent intervention to resolve what he described as a pressing humanitarian issue.

Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern after observing the dire situation during a recent visit to AIIMS. He highlighted the hardships faced by patients traveling to the hospital from across the country, often forced to endure freezing temperatures under the nearby metro station. “These individuals lack access to basic necessities like drinking water, toilet facilities, and proper shelter, while heaps of garbage add to their woes,” he noted.

In his letter, Gandhi urged the Union Health Ministry and Delhi Government to collaborate with AIIMS authorities and charitable organizations to provide immediate relief. He recommended the provision of temporary facilities, including heating, bedding, clean water, and adequate shelter, to ease the suffering of those waiting for treatment.

The Congress leader also called for an expansion of permanent accommodation facilities for patients and their families, urging the government to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure in collaboration with state administrations.

Touching on the broader challenges in the healthcare system, Gandhi emphasized the rising cost of private medical care, which he believes warrants careful examination. He expressed hope that the upcoming Budget would prioritize a significant increase in investment in public healthcare, ensuring affordable and accessible services for all.

“I request your prompt action to address this pressing issue and improve the conditions for patients and their families at AIIMS. This is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to humane and inclusive governance,” Gandhi wrote.

The letter underscores the need for both immediate and long-term measures to alleviate the struggles of patients and bring systemic improvements to the country’s healthcare framework.