CM Rekha Gupta Conducts Surprise Inspection at Delhi Hospital Flags Serious Lapses

New Delhi, April 23, 2026: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta carried out a surprise inspection of Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital, during which she reviewed multiple departments including OPD services, pharmacy, sanitation, water supply and patient registration systems. The visit aimed at assessing ground level healthcare delivery without prior intimation to hospital authorities.

During interaction with patients and attendants, several complaints emerged regarding long waiting hours, overcrowding and delays in consultation. The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the situation and instructed officials to immediately improve seating arrangements and streamline patient flow through a more efficient token system.

The inspection also highlighted gaps in the availability of doctors and inefficiencies in the existing appointment system. Despite digital booking facilities, patients were seen waiting in long queues, prompting directions for better integration between online and offline processes.

A major concern raised during the visit was the shortage of essential medicines, with some patients reporting that they were forced to purchase drugs from outside pharmacies. The Chief Minister ordered a detailed review of stock records and directed that all required medicines must be made available without delay.

She also reviewed vaccination services, noting heavy daily footfall and instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential injections and vaccines.

Multiple complaints were received regarding poor sanitation and inadequate cleanliness in hospital premises. Taking serious note, the Chief Minister reprimanded officials and stressed that basic hygiene standards must be maintained at all times.

To improve accountability, she directed implementation of biometric attendance for staff and mandated visible identification for all hospital personnel during duty hours.

The Chief Minister reiterated that healthcare delivery must be timely, transparent and patient focused, adding that negligence in basic services would not be tolerated. She said hospitals must function as centres of reliable and dignified care for all citizens.