Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics are not in Good Health

Once the talk of the town, the famous Kejriwal health model is now under scrutiny as the whole health infrastructure of the Delhi government, including Delhi government hospitals and the widely discussed Mohalla clinics, face investigation from Central probe agencies.
Several Mohalla clinics across the national capital were found closed or operating under suboptimal conditions, citing reasons such as a lack of medical equipment, shortages of medicines, or the absence of medical personnel when this newspaper visted them. A CBI inquiry has been initiated by the MHA following the recommendation of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena last month, concerning the supply of substandard drugs and allegations of fake lab tests conducted in these clinics.

Hasmat Ali, a resident of Ashram, mentioned that his nearest Mohalla clinic in Sunlight Colony has closed down, compelling him to seek medical assistance elsewhere. He noted a decline in the efficiency of Mohalla Clinics compared to earlier times. Similarly, Banwari, residing in Nehru Nagar, expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the clinics, contrasting it with their previous functioning. He highlighted overcrowding due to the closure of clinics, resulting in doctors having less time to attend to patients.
Brijesh, from Kilokari Village, recounted experiences of doctors rushing through consultations, even at his local Mohalla clinic. He lamented the need to visit private clinics for essential medical tests.

An anonymous doctor shared concerns about the instability of clinic postings, mentioning closures and transfers affecting their practice. Despite being qualified, the doctor expressed dissatisfaction with remuneration, contributing to reluctance among medical professionals to work in Mohalla Clinics.

The plight extends to government hospitals in Delhi, where a shortage of ventilator beds has led to fatalities. Moreover, with only six C.T. Scan machines serving a population of 30 million, issues regarding medical equipment availability persist. Reports of substandard drugs being supplied to Delhi government hospitals have also surfaced.