Addressing Critical Delhi Public Healthcare Gaps

Delhi’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently highlighted significant Delhi public healthcare gaps in its latest report to the Assembly. The findings underscore urgent needs for systemic reform in government-run facilities. The committee examined a performance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). This report covers the management of health services through March 2022. Consequently, the PAC has called for time-bound corrective actions to be reviewed by mid-2026.

Overcrowding remains a primary concern for the committee. Patients often face long delays at registration and pharmacy counters. Furthermore, the audit revealed that doctors frequently spend less than five minutes per patient. Waiting times for critical surgeries can extend to several months. In addition, the lack of basic amenities like clean toilets and seating areas affects the patient experience significantly.

Infrastructure Challenges and TB Control

The report points to a massive shortfall in infrastructure development. Although the government targeted adding 10,000 beds, only 1,300 beds were actually delivered. Moreover, the audit flagged delays in project completion and underutilisation of existing facilities. These Delhi public healthcare gaps extend to emergency services, where ambulances are often poorly equipped. Systems for digital patient management, like the e-Hospital initiative, remain inconsistent across different hospitals.

Tuberculosis (TB) control is another area requiring immediate attention. Delhi is currently lagging in its Sustainable Development Goal-3 targets. The committee identified a lack of awareness activities and poor monitoring of TB cases. There is also a notable delay in forming district committees for drug-resistant TB. Furthermore, patients often do not receive necessary nutritional support payments. The PAC recommended a year-wise action plan to rectify these systemic monitoring failures.

Staffing Shortages and Financial Management

Human resource gaps severely impact the quality of care. Approximately 21% of all posts remain vacant in Delhi hospitals. Specialist and paramedic positions show even higher vacancy rates. Additionally, National Health Mission schemes face a 36% shortfall in staffing. The PAC directed the department to fill these vacancies urgently. They also recommended creating a permanent specialist cadre to reduce dependence on outsourced staff.

Financial management also requires a major overhaul. Health spending in Delhi stands at 0.79% of the GSDP, which is far below the 2.5% target. Surprisingly, significant funds remained unspent under the National Health Mission. By December 2025, only 46.46% of the allocated budget was utilised. Therefore, the committee has called for better financial planning to ensure that increased budgets translate into better patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the deadline for addressing these healthcare deficiencies?

The PAC has directed that all identified deficiencies be addressed in a time-bound manner, with a formal progress review scheduled for June 30, 2026.

Q2: Why are patients not benefiting from the EWS free treatment scheme?

The audit found that 19 out of 47 hospitals failed to set up referral centres. Additionally, poor monitoring and lack of tracking systems have led to low utilisation of schemes like the Delhi Arogya Kosh.

Q3: How is the PAC addressing the shortage of medicines?

The committee noted that hospitals often procure medicines locally due to supply delays. They have directed the establishment of transparent procurement systems and strict quality checks to ensure zero shortages.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Delhi: PAC flags overcrowding, shortage of basic facilities in govt hospitals;calls for time-bound action - ETHealthworld


2. Performance Audit of Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services - CAG of India Report No. 3 of 2024.


3. National Health Policy 2017 - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India.