Chief Minister Holds Key Meeting along with Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh and Medical Superintendents of Delhi Hospitals

New Delhi, 9 May 2025:Chief Minister held a high-level meeting along with the Medical Superintendents (MS) of various government hospitals. The aim of the meeting was to review the current condition, needs, and challenges of hospitals to ensure better healthcare services for the citizens of Delhi. Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh was also present during the meeting.

After the meeting, CM Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that the Delhi Government’s foremost commitment is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to every citizen of the capital. She emphasized that the government is not only strengthening hospital infrastructure but is also working to bring healthcare services closer to people’s homes. The goal is to upgrade Delhi’s hospitals and make the healthcare model more efficient and exemplary.

During the meeting, discussions were held on medicine shortages and supply status in hospitals, implementation preparedness for Central Government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Vay Vandana for senior citizens, and Arogya Mandir for comprehensive care, general hospital maintenance, and online systems for OPD/IPD registrations.

The Chief Minister informed that to strengthen healthcare services and administrative efficiency, the government has recently appointed Medical Superintendents (MS) and Medical Directors (MD). She expressed confidence that these officials will play a proactive role in strengthening the public healthcare system and ensure transparency, efficient management, and improved public facilities in hospitals.

Taking serious note of recurring medicine shortages in Delhi government hospitals, the CM instructed officials to find an immediate solution. She mentioned that frequent reports highlight the unavailability of essential medicines in hospitals, which is a matter of serious concern and must be addressed on a priority basis. She directed every hospital to review this issue, create a concrete action plan, and submit a time-bound report.

Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta today directed senior officials of various hospitals in the capital to ensure that all medical facilities remain fully prepared for any emergency situation. In light of adverse scenarios emerging across the country, the Chief Minister instructed all government hospitals in Delhi to immediately establish fully equipped emergency wards.

The CM also emphasized the effective implementation of three major Central Government health schemes i.e., Ayushman Bharat Yojna, Vay Vandana Yojna (for senior citizens), and Arogya Mandir for comprehensive healthcare. She stated that these schemes will not only benefit economically weaker sections with affordable and accessible healthcare but will also provide new direction to Delhi’s overall healthcare system. She urged hospital administrations to share detailed information on the preparations for implementing these schemes, so the government can assess their needs and make timely decisions to ensure that every eligible citizen receives the benefits.

Expressing concern over the overall upkeep and maintenance of Delhi government hospitals, the CM directed that hospital operations must go beyond providing medical services. Cleanliness, infrastructure quality, and a patient-friendly environment must also be ensured. She acknowledged that government hospitals serve a large number of patients, mostly from economically weaker sections, but added that this should not result in neglect of basic hygiene and maintenance standards.

Focusing on a “patient-first” approach, she emphasized the need to ensure dignity, timely treatment, and sensitive behavior at all hospitals. Directives were issued to minimize waiting times in OPD and emergency services, and to improve hospital hygiene, safety, and the overall environment.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to assess hospital infrastructure to increase the availability of beds, ICUs, and medical equipment. She also instructed the speedy completion of pending repair and expansion works, and wider implementation of digital systems like HMIS and e-Hospital. Additionally, she called for ensuring adequate staffing (doctors, nurses, paramedical, and administrative), controlling absenteeism, and organizing duty rosters effectively.

The CM highlighted three critical areas requiring attention:

1. Safe and prompt disposal of medical equipment accumulated during COVID-19 but now obsolete,
2. Identification and repair/replacement of old and damaged furniture,
3. Maintenance of buildings and cleanliness of hospital parks and public spaces.

She pointed out that the first impressions of hospitals—cleanliness, building conditions, and open spaces—deeply affect visitors. Unfortunately, many hospitals show poor waste management, dilapidated walls and floors, and neglected public areas. This not only causes inconvenience to patients and their families but also affects the image of public healthcare. She urged all Medical Superintendents and Medical Directors to actively coordinate with PWD for basic hospital maintenance. If administrative hurdles arise, she asked them to promptly report to the government for timely resolution.

Highlighting recent reforms for improving healthcare quality and operations, the CM noted that the Delhi Cabinet has approved two key proposals that will enhance hospital efficiency and patient services.

She announced that proposals related to OPD and IPD registration have been approved. The registration system is the first point of contact in hospitals, and its smooth functioning is crucial. Additionally, the government has approved the inclusion of diagnostic services, which will speed up tests like MRI, CT scan, and blood tests, ensuring patients receive timely reports.

The Chief Minister urged all Medical Superintendents and hospital administrators to work diligently to implement these policy decisions and take the responsibility of improving the public healthcare system in Delhi seriously.

She also directed hospitals to be prepared for emergencies related to seasonal illnesses such as dengue, flu, and heatwaves, as well as potential disasters. This includes setting up SOPs, conducting mock drills, and advance stockpiling of supplies. She emphasized making medical procurement processes transparent and timely, resolving complaints about medicine and equipment shortages swiftly, and establishing an effective grievance redressal system.

Finally, she called for enhanced coordination among hospitals and exchange of successful models to streamline queue management and infection control. Regular training programs focusing on soft skills such as empathy and communication were also recommended.

The CM concluded with directives to implement monthly hospital performance evaluations, monitor through KPIs and data dashboards, and ensure that hospitals act as leaders in public health service improvement.