NEW DELHI: In Delhi’s scorching summer, the mohalla clinics are also facing the heat. But, it is reportedly more due to poor functioning air conditioners and water coolers, badly in need of maintenance.
Such is the situation that the sweltering conditions faced by patients and medics at these clinics came up at a meeting held by the Urban development minister with the Public Works Department.
“There is no maintenance system in place for mohalla clinics… It was brought up earlier also, but no action was taken to hand over the maintenance of these clinics to the PWD,” said a health official who was present at the meeting.
The government’s alacrity is not surprising given that the AAP had promised to establish 1,000 clinics when it came to power in 2015. Currently, there are 164 clinics of which 105 are functioning
out of porta-cabins. Eighty-five more sites were identified for setting up additional clinics.
“It is a complete waste of public money. If water coolers and ACs have been fitted in these clinics, then they need maintenance. In such porta-cabins, heat is unbearable… This shows the administrative failure of this government,” said Vijendra Gupta, Leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
Activist Ashok Aggarwal claimed the concept took off well but now the situation was bad. “There is no maintenance of these clinics. It is a sorry state of affairs.”
On third year anniversary of his party in power, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that the plan was to have mohalla clinic at a walking distance. But, with such crippling infrastructure, it remains to be seen whether mohalla clinics will able to function or not.
The Elders' delegation to visit a Delhi mohalla clinic
A team from The Elders — an international NGO former by South African statesman Nelson Mandela comprising noted public figures — has sought to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and also proposed to visit a mohalla clinic.