Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has directed all hospitals in the city to display the data on the availability of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 beds at their entrances. Health Department to ensure the data displayed matches the data provided on government portal or mobile application.
Delhi LG Anil Baijal has directed hospitals to display number of beds available with them (Photo: PTI)
With coronavirus cases peaking and shortage of beds at hospitals being reported from the capital, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday instructed all major hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in the city to put up large LED displays at their entrances to detail availability of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 beds.
The details in large letters will also include charges for rooms or beds and the contact persons for admission.
Health Department will have to ensure that the data displayed on these LED boards is reconciled with the data available on the government app or portal, says the order.
The order further mentions that a surprise check may also be conducted by officers deputed by Delhi Disaster Management Authority to ensure that correct data is displayed by the hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes concerned and genuine patients are not denied admission or overcharged.
“An action-taken report may be sent urgently,” the order reads.
The order came hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a video address said that Baijal’s orders to reverse the government’s decision on making Delhi hospitals available only for city residents will be implemented as it is “not the time for disagreements or arguments”.
On Sunday, Kejriwal had made the announcement but was overruled by Baijal, who said that all Indians are equal and must get the same treatment.
Reacting to the decision, Kejriwal had said on Monday that the Lt Governor’s decision has created a major problem and challenge for the residents of Delhi.