Delhi High Court Questions Hospital Staff Shortages and Non-Functional ICU Helpline

The Delhi High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the Delhi Government's continued failure to fill vacancies for doctors, technicians and other qualified personnel in public hospitals.

What concerned the Court

The Division Bench noted that staffing shortages were affecting the use of medical equipment and said the government needs a centralised, time-bound human-resources policy. The concern extends to contractual recruitment, which the Court said cannot remain fragmented if essential hospital functions are being affected.

Administrative gaps identified

The hearing also examined public access to information about ICU-bed availability. The Government said citizens could use helpline 102. During the hearing, an officer was asked to call the number and the call went unanswered.

The Court was informed that thirty lines and thirty operators deal with roughly 2,200 calls a day. It said the capacity appeared inadequate for Delhi's population and directed the Government to examine expansion and file a status report.

Directions and next steps

The Bench also said one referral coordinator per hospital was insufficient and indicated that at least three coordinators should be available to assist patients who need transfer between government hospitals.