The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on health services in the national Capital, during the erstwhile AAP government’s regime, was tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Friday. The Mohalla Clinics, one of the flagship projects of the Kejriwal administration as well as government hospitals came under scathing criticism for the gross irregularities, inefficiencies, price escalation and under-utilisation of funds. A couple of BJP legislators, speaking on the CAG report in the Assembly, tore into the former AAP government and accused it of promoting corruption and malpractices in health departments. Earlier in the day, AAP leaders protested outside the Assembly against the suspension of 21 lawmakers, this week. Ex-Chief Minister Atishi, now Leader of Opposition, also wrote to Speaker Vijender Gupta to flag the ‘severe blow to democratic values’. The report highlights ‘dire conditions’ of the much-touted dispensaries started under the stewardship of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. In 11 years of their governance, only 3 hospitals were either built or extended. Indira Gandhi hospital suffered 5 years’ delay, leading to escalation in cost by Rs 314 crore. Similarly, Burari hospital saw cost escalation by about Rs 41 crore,” Khurana said.
