Mohalla Clinics: A CAG Audit Reveals Troubling Findings
NEW DELHI: A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns about the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) mohalla clinics. The report indicates that doctors were spending less than one minute on consultations for the majority of patients.
Key Findings from the CAG Audit
The CAG audit highlighted that 18% of the clinics evaluated were non-operational for periods ranging from 15 days to 23 months due to various factors including doctor unavailability and resignations. Alarmingly, 41 out of 218 clinics across four districts remained closed during the evaluation period.
Moreover, the audit revealed a shortage of essential medical equipment. Many clinics lacked basic tools such as pulse oximeters, glucometers, and blood pressure monitoring devices. A staggering 70% of patients received consultations lasting less than a minute, raising questions about the quality of care provided.
Medicinal Supply Chain Issues
The availability of essential medications was also a concern, with 74 clinics failing to maintain complete stock of the 165 medications listed in the essential drug list (EDL). This was compounded by frequent delays in supply chain deliveries, often lasting from three to six months.
Facility Deficiencies and Compliance Issues
Additionally, the audit pointed out that many clinics were lacking in basic facilities such as potable water, air conditioning for medicine storage, and proper sanitation amenities. Out of 81 clinics assessed, several operated without necessary safety measures, including fire extinguishers and privacy screens.
Despite a budget allocation of Rs 35.16 crore for health centers, only 28% of the funds were utilized, and only 523 clinics were established by March 2023, far below the promised 1,000 clinics.
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