NEW DELHI: In a significant political development ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Congress leader Ajay Maken has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of orchestrating a health-related scam amounting to Rs 382 crore. Maken’s allegations are based on findings from Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, which he claims reveal substantial financial discrepancies in the construction and operation of hospitals under the AAP administration.
Key Allegations:
- Excessive Expenditures: Maken highlighted that the AAP government spent an additional Rs 382.52 crore beyond the approved tender amounts for three hospitals:
- Indira Gandhi Hospital: An extra Rs 314 crore.
- Burari Hospital: An additional Rs 41 crore.
- Maulana Azad Dental Hospital: An extra Rs 26 crore.
He contends that these inflated costs are detailed in the CAG reports, which were reportedly withheld from presentation in the Delhi Legislative Assembly due to their sensitive content.
- Delayed Hospital Construction: Maken pointed out that only three hospitals have been constructed in the past decade, all of which were initiated during the Congress tenure. The delays are as follows:
- Indira Gandhi Hospital: Delayed by five years.
- Burari Hospital: Delayed by six years.
- Maulana Azad Dental Hospital: Delayed by three years.
He attributes these delays to the current government’s inefficiencies.
- Unutilized Infrastructure Funds: Maken revealed that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, Rs 2,623 crore allocated for infrastructure projects lapsed due to non-utilization. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government provided Rs 653 crore, of which Rs 360 crore remained unspent. He criticized the AAP government for installing only 1,235 medical beds instead of the promised 32,000.
- Staff Shortages in Healthcare Facilities: The CAG reports indicate significant staff shortages in Delhi’s public health sector:
- Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospitals: 50-74% shortage of doctors.
- Nursing Staff: 73-96% shortage.
- Paramedic Staff: 17-62% shortage.
Maken attributes these shortages to the AAP government’s mismanagement.
Political Context:
These allegations come at a critical time, with the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, 2025. The results are expected to be declared on February 8, 2025. The Congress party’s accusations aim to highlight the AAP government’s alleged shortcomings in managing Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusion:
The Congress party’s allegations against the AAP government underscore concerns about financial management and healthcare infrastructure in Delhi. As the election date approaches, these claims are likely to influence voter sentiment and political discourse in the capital.
