The Aam Aadmi Party government’s Mohalla Clinic project has received endorsement from all quarters over the past two years. A recent study by the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Civil Society revealed that 88 % of patients treated at Mohalla Clinics reported above average satisfaction with services provided at the Clinics. The project has touched lives of millions of Delhi residents. However, leaders of the Opposition and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, are bent on stalling the opening of new Clinics.
The file for setting up of new Clinics was sent to the L-G in May for his approval, after which leaders from Opposition parties filed frivolous complaints regarding the functioning of the Clinics. The L-G sent the file to the Vigilance Department, which sat on the file for over a month and a half.
Deputy CM Manish Sisodia who has charge of Vigilance called for the file to ensure speedy disposal of the same, but the L-G asked the department not to show the file to the Minister. Soon, the Vigilance Department sent the file to the L-G office, after which there has been no progress for more than a month.
The Health Minister received a letter from the Vigilance Department on 29th August containing a gist of vague allegations regarding the Mohalla Clinics. Within minutes, the Minister responded asking for a list of specific complaints which he assured he will look into himself. He also said that not opening any new Clinics was not the solution to the problem. Read his letter here:
Just now as cover up, Vigilance sent note to Minister. And its replied in minutes to @LtGovDelhi. LG saab,Please clear the files now. pic.twitter.com/X50AvDZttK
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) August 30, 2017
A large delegation of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs have sought time from the L-G to urge him to clear the file at the earliest. As representatives of the people, the AAP MLAs have expressed their deep concerns over the L-G office’s speed of operation in this matter. Delhi’s dengue-chikunguniya season is arriving, and there is an urgent need to upgrade the city’s primary health services. Unfortunately, the L-G has not thought it important to meet elected representatives on a matter of such grave urgency.
AAP Delhi unit Chief Spokesperson and Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj makes a pertinent point here:
If there is complaint against a hospital, will we close all hospitals in the country ?
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) August 30, 2017
Even if Opposition parties have registered their complaints against some Clinics, does it mean Delhi’s residents should be denied primary affordable healthcare? This is extremely insensitive and inhumane on the part of the BJP, the Congress and the L-G office.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also requested the L-G to sit across the table and sort out the matter at the earliest.
There shud be no politics wid Moh Clinics. It involves health of 2 cr Delhiites. LG must clear file immediately now(1/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 30, 2017
Public suffering due 2 delays. LG shud call all officers n sort it out. I am prepared to come wid my ministers 2 Raj niwas, if LG wants(2/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 30, 2017
Let LG sort out all objections across the table rather than files moving up n down. My sincere request(3/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 30, 2017
Are you a resident of Delhi and feel this is against your interests? Please write to the L-G now requesting him to approve the Mohalla Clinics file:
Shri Anil Baijal
Raj Niwas
6, Raj Niwas Marg
Civil Lines, New Delhi – 54
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