The Delhi government said it will initiate action on Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, after the district administration’s investigation revealed irregularities and lapses in patient care, an official statement said on Thursday.
A complaint lodged with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during Jan Sonway led to a major investigation at the hospital over allegations that the stabbing victim was denied timely treatment and was asked to deposit money before starting treatment, news agency PTI reported.
The hospital confirmed its full cooperation in this regard.
“Fortis remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence and regulatory compliance. We will review the details once they are formally shared with us and extend our full cooperation to the authorities. Patient safety and well-being remain our top priority,” the hospital said, according to PTI.
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Main findings of the inspection
Following the complaint, Gupta ordered an investigation, prompting inspection teams to uncover several alleged violations.
According to the statement, a team led by the Central District Magistrate, along with officials from the health department, Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Fire Service and other departments, inspected the hospital on Thursday.
The statement stated that during the inspection, surveillance camera footage showed the injured man entering the emergency department alone, indicating that timely medical intervention may have saved his life.
Officials also reportedly found numerous alleged violations, including building code violations, unlicensed construction, fire safety system deficiencies, basement misuse and serious lapses in compliance with standard operating procedures governing medical protocols.
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In view of the alleged irregularities and lapses in patient care, the Delhi government said it has decided to take action against the hospital and is preparing a detailed investigation report.
“There is no compromise on patients’ time,” says the Office of the Chief Marketing Officer.
The district administration conducted an immediate inspection of the hospital on Gupta’s directions after receiving the complaint during a meeting with Chief Minister Jan Sonway, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. Officials conducted a field inspection and noted the discrepancies, she said, adding that the detailed report will be carefully examined.
The CMO stressed that every hospital in Delhi has an obligation to provide patients with responsible and ethical care, adding that a patient’s right to timely and dignified treatment cannot be compromised.
“Any irregularity proven during the investigation should warrant strict action. Every hospital in Delhi is obligated to serve patients responsibly and fairly, and there can be no compromise on a patient’s right to timely and dignified care.”
(With inputs from PTI)
