The Congress party has alleged significant corruption in hospital projects under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken claimed that irregularities worth ₹382 cr were uncovered, based on findings from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
Speaking at a press conference, Maken criticised the AAP government for delays and overspending on key hospital projects. He highlighted that only three hospitals had been built in the last ten years, all of which were initiated during the Congress government.
These projects, including the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Burari Hospital, and Maulana Azad Dental Hospital, were completed years behind schedule.
Maken stated that Indira Gandhi Hospital exceeded its tender amount by ₹314 crore, while Burari Hospital and Maulana Azad Dental Hospital incurred additional expenses of ₹41 crore and ₹26 crore, respectively.
He also accused the AAP government of failing to expand the bed capacity in hospitals, despite promises made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citing the CAG report, Maken revealed that many Delhi hospitals had bed occupancy rates ranging from 101 to 190 per cent, indicating a severe shortage of resources. He further alleged that 14 plots allocated for the construction of hospitals, schools, and colleges had not been utilised.
Maken also criticised AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of withholding the CAG report from being presented in the Assembly. He claimed that the AAP government failed to use 56 per cent of the funds provided by the Centre during the pandemic.
Elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled for 5 February, with results set to be declared on 8 February.
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