File Photo: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurating the Aam AadmI Clinic. (Press Trust of India)
National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Delhi government over its alleged failure to revive 228 existing primary health centres and proposing 1000 new 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' instead.
Citing media reports, the Commission observed that these centres, 79 of which were operating from rented premises, were "struggling" to provide basic health services due to shortage of doctors, para medical staff, medicines and laboratory facilities.
The notice, returnable in four weeks, was issued to the Principal Secretary of the Health Department.
In its observations, the rights body welcomed the proposal of launching 'mohalla clinics' with a rider saying making the existing healthcare infrastructure functional was "paramount".
"The proposed plan to set up new clinics is a gradual process but has to be welcomed. At the same time, it is of paramount importance that the existing healthcare infrastructure in the city is made functional in all respects.
"This will also in a way, reduce the overcrowding in big hospitals of the city, since people can avail these primary health centres for their primary healthcare needs," it said.