Published 23:03 IST, October 22nd 2019
Mohalla Clinics In Delhi : Are they as good as they claim?
Delhi Government's flagship Mohalla Clinic project has been busted. RTI response shows that the ministers of the state have used private hospitals for cure
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With Assembly elections fast approaching in the National Capital of New Delhi, The Aam Admi Party Government has once again landed in deep soup over it's 'Mohalla Clinic' project. An RTI on AAP ministers’ medical expenses was recently filed.
According to RTI reply, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after coming to power in 2015, and his family members spent ₹12,18,027 on treatment in private hospitals, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and his family members spent ₹13,25,329 on medical treatments. Ministers Gopal Rai spent ₹7,22,558 and Imran Hussain ₹2,46,748.
The RTI reply has exposed that the huge amount spent by the Delhi Chief Minister, Deputy CM of Delhi and other ministers on private medical treatment was paid by the General Administration Department of the Delhi government (i.e public money)
Republic TV recently visited 4 locations across Delhi to check the various claims made by the AAP government over 'Mohalla Clinic'.
Location 1: Maharani Bagh
At Kilokri village, Maharani bagh the Mohalla clinic remains dysfunctional for over a year. This has angered the residents to such an extent that they have sprayed ink all over the Mohalla Clinic poster. According to the locals, just one month post the inauguration of this Moholla clinic, the entire operation was shut down.
“Sometimes the doctors were not available or sometimes the medicine service was really poor. The clinic became dilapidated with time where the floors, stands, lights, bathrooms were seen in tatters. It was a waste of public money", said an outraged resident of Kilokri Village.
Location 2: Sarita Vihar
The Mohalla clinic opposite to the apollo hospital in Sarita Vihar never received any inauguration despite being mentioned in the list of first 164 Mohalla clinics during the time of launch of the flagship health scheme by AAP government.
“The racks are still there, posters are still intact but it’s now being used by patients as shelter room who come from far away for check-ups at Apollo Hospital. There were big claims made but in reality, it’s a sham”, said a security guard Of Apollo hospital.
Location 3: Nizamuddin Railway station
A Mohalla clinic was spotted in working condition at Rain Basera or Night shelter. Two doctors were present with 2 attendees. According to the present doctor, 150 patients visit the clinic.
"Medicine is not always available but we try to provide the basic amenities,” said Doctor Jain.
Location 4: Ashram
This Moholla clinic has been in the news for all the right reasons so far. The patients who come here for check-ups are satisfied with the services and owing to the influx of patients, the timings of the Mohalla clinic have been increased.
While there is satisfaction, there is also a query on everyone's mind about the usage of public money by AAP ministers. A patient was heard saying, "All facilities from tests to syringes to medicines are available here, we do not feel the need to go to big hospitals. But we still cannot tolerate the wastage of public money by our Delhi ministers on their private treatment. We are aware of how this government is functioning throughout.”
22:12 IST, October 22nd 2019