Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, highlighting the dire need for improved facilities for patients and their families at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
"During my recent visit, I was saddened to see hundreds of patients and their family members huddled on the footpath and in the subway in the bitter winter cold, with only thin blankets to protect them, without drinking water or sanitation facilities," stated LoP Rahul Gandhi in the letter.
Describing the condition at AIIMS further, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, "I witnessed patients and their families forced to sleep in freezing conditions under the metro station near AIIMS. They have no access to basic amenities such as drinking water or toilets, and the area is surrounded by heaps of garbage."
Emphasising the humanitarian aspect, LoP Gandhi expressed hope that his letter would prompt immediate action. "I urge the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Union Health Minister to address this crisis urgently. Additionally, I hope the Central government allocates significant resources in the upcoming budget to strengthen the public healthcare system," he added.
Rahul Gandhi also shed light on the overburdened state of AIIMS Delhi, calling it a national concern. "The Government of India should work with the AIIMS leadership, the Government of Delhi and charitable organisations to provide heating, bedding, water and shelter to patients, and expand facilities for accommodation."
Furthermore, LoP Gandhi proposed broader reforms in public healthcare infrastructure, saying, "It is crucial to strengthen the healthcare system at all levels -- primary, secondary, and tertiary -- through collaborative efforts with state governments."
In addressing the rising costs of private healthcare, Rahul Gandhi called for detailed scrutiny to ensure affordability and accessibility for the public. "The sharp increase in private healthcare costs further burdens families and needs urgent examination," Rahul Gandhi stated.
(With inputs from IANS)
