Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently highlighted the plight of patients and their families camping on roads, footpaths, and subways around AIIMS Delhi, accusing both the central and Delhi governments of gross insensitivity. In a video shared on social media, he described the situation as “hell outside AIIMS,” questioning the lack of basic amenities like shelter, food, and water for those seeking medical treatment at the premier hospital.
Meeting Patients and Families
Rahul Gandhi visited the area surrounding AIIMS on Thursday night, interacting with patients and their attendants who had traveled from across the country in search of medical care. Many of them are forced to sleep on the streets amidst harsh weather conditions due to a lack of affordable accommodations. Gandhi listened to their grievances, including complaints about inadequate facilities and the struggle to access medical treatment.
Speaking in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi expressed outrage, stating, “This is completely ridiculous. People here are suffering; they are dying. Mazak bana ke rakkha hai (They have turned it into a joke).”
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism
In a strongly worded social media post, Rahul Gandhi blamed the central and Delhi governments for their failure to address this humanitarian crisis. Writing in Hindi, he said, “Hell outside AIIMS! Poor patients and their families from across the country are forced to sleep outside AIIMS amidst the cold, filth, and hunger. They have no shelter, no food, no toilets, and no drinking water. Why have the central and Delhi governments, who make tall claims, turned a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis?”
He further added on Instagram, “On their path to treatment, they are forced to sleep on roads, footpaths, and subways – keeping a flame of hope alive amidst hunger, cold, and inconvenience.”
Political Context
This visit comes amid heightened political tensions as the Delhi assembly elections approach. Rahul Gandhi’s remarks also included criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), an ally of the INDIA bloc, likening Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused both leaders of making false promises and failing to deliver on critical issues like caste census and reservations for backward classes.
Addressing a rally in Seelampur, northeast Delhi, Gandhi said, “There is no difference between Kejriwal and PM Modi as they both make false promises. When I talk about the caste census, I don’t hear a word from either of them.”
Government’s Response
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dismissed Gandhi’s accusations, claiming that the Congress leader was “abusing him” while he was fighting to save the Congress party. Kejriwal has yet to address the specific concerns raised by Gandhi during his visit to AIIMS.
Larger Implications
The situation outside AIIMS Delhi underscores a broader issue of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and support for vulnerable populations. AIIMS, being one of India’s top medical institutions, attracts patients from across the country, many of whom cannot afford accommodations in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit and subsequent criticism aim to bring national attention to this pressing issue, urging both state and central governments to take immediate steps to provide basic amenities and support to these patients and their families.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to patients outside AIIMS Delhi highlights the stark realities faced by those seeking medical treatment in India. As the political blame game continues, it remains to be seen whether actionable solutions will emerge to address this humanitarian crisis. For now, the voices of the affected patients and their families continue to call for urgent intervention.
