If enough time is given to planning and executing, the schemes, projects will not take as much time, says Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain. In an interview to The Pioneer, Jain said they are devoting more time on planning a project to give optimum health services to people.
The polyclinics will offer OPD services in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, ENT, eye, skin and psychiatry, said Jain.
What are the achievements of the Govt in health sectorIJ
We are dedicated to boost the health sector for which we are working 24x7. First, we tried to make the existing health infrastructure very responsive, which we are still doing. Then, we have launched mohalla clinic, two polyclinics and have provided free essential drugs to all the Delhi Government hospitals. The polyclinic at Kanti Nagar is getting good response from the people as over 1,200 OPDs are being reported in a day. Even, most of the patients are first time comers to our polyclinics.
What were the challenges in implementationIJ
There were lots of problems and inertia. People were skeptical about if the things we announced will be possible or not. It seems that all objections are meant for us. But we are determined to do our work, even if it means we have to devote more time on some projects.
What new initiatives are you planning for people in 2016IJ
We are planning to launch 150 polyclinics within a year, of which 20 polyclinics will be launched on Sunday at various locations of Delhi. By this, hospitals will be less crowded. These clinics will have basic diagnostic services like X-ray, ultrasound and ECG facilities, but these machines will be equipped within six months. We are hoping to launch at least 500 mohalla clinics within five to six months.
What about increasing the number of beds in hospitals from 10, 000 to 20,000 bedsIJ
By December 2017, we will increase the beds in all hospitals. To accommodate the number of beds, Government has planned to convert all private wards in general wards so that all people can avail the basic medical treatment. This will end the VIP culture in our hospitals.
Projects which should have been completed within 2015, why they are delayedIJ What is the status of dedicated sports injury trauma centre at lok Nayak Hospital which should have been completed within this yearIJ
We are taking more time in planning, so that execution does not take much time. The project for dedicated sports injury trauma centre at lok Nayak Hospital project is not yet completed. There are many issues at the orthopedic block. We are reviewing all the issues. For mohalla clinics, tender has been floated for all 1,000 of them.
What response are you getting from people regarding free essential drugs in hospitalsIJ
People are getting 100 per cent medicine. Earlier, people used to buy medicines from outside. Now there is 100 per cent stock of medicine.