Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj exposes lies of Lieutenant Governor's office in press conference

Delhi’s Health Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, recently accused the office of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of spreading false information regarding the posting and transfer of staff in Delhi’s hospitals. He expressed concerns over the severe shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in government hospitals, which he believes is being ignored by the LG’s office. Bharadwaj also criticized the LG for using the excuse that meetings of the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) couldn't be held due to the Chief Minister's unavailability, labeling it a false justification for inaction.

During a press conference, Bharadwaj pointed out that whenever a crisis arises in Delhi, the LG’s office—appointed by the BJP-led Central Government—fails to address the issue effectively. He claimed that the LG often provides absurd responses when questioned about these matters.

One of the examples cited by the Health Minister was the recent tragedy at Asha Kiran Home Shelter, where 14 residents died. Bharadwaj explained that during an investigation into these deaths, it was found that there was a critical shortage of doctors and paramedical staff, which contributed to the fatalities. He accused the LG and Central Government of being responsible for these shortages due to their control over postings and transfers.

The LG's office responded by claiming that the transfers couldn't happen because the NCCSA meeting wasn't held, allegedly due to the Chief Minister's absence. However, Bharadwaj refuted this, stating that there was no such proposal on the NCCSA's agenda and accused the LG’s office of lying. He also mentioned that after the High Court intervened, the required medical staff was deployed without any NCCSA meeting, further exposing the LG's false claims.

Bharadwaj also raised the issue of the staffing crisis in Delhi’s hospitals, where some doctors are being forced to manage multiple hospitals due to the shortage. He stated that despite his repeated requests to fill these vacancies, the LG’s office continues to use the absence of NCCSA meetings as an excuse.

In another instance, Bharadwaj highlighted a case at Ambedkar Medical College, where a professor allegedly attempted to sexually harass two female students. Despite complaints being filed, no action was taken by the LG’s office, which oversees the Services Department. The LG's office again cited the absence of an NCCSA meeting as a reason for the inaction, a justification Bharadwaj dismissed as nonsensical.

Bharadwaj shared official documents to back up his claims, including orders from the Public Works Department (PWD) showing that transfers and postings have been occurring without NCCSA meetings. He questioned why the LG's office could carry out these actions in certain departments but failed to do so in critical areas like healthcare.

He then posed several pointed questions to the LG, including whether the LG would apologize to the people of Delhi for misleading them and whether any action would be taken against officials involved in unauthorized transfers. Bharadwaj concluded by challenging the LG to suspend the PWD Principal Secretary, Anbarasu, for these transfers if he truly believes in the necessity of NCCSA meetings for such decisions.

In summary, Bharadwaj's statements highlight a growing tension between the Delhi government and the office of the Lieutenant Governor, with serious concerns being raised about the management of healthcare services in the capital.