The conflict between Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified following the suspension of Dr R N Das, a senior member of Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj’s office.
Dr. Das, an Officer on Special Duty, has been accused of “misconduct” related to the “unauthorized and illegal” operation of the Jyoti Clinic and Nursing Home.
LG VK Saxena alleged that during his tenure as Medical Superintendent of the Delhi government’s Nursing Home Cell, Dr. Das delayed the renewal of the nursing home’s license since 2014, allowing it to operate illegally.
VK Saxena’s accusations are based on a civil complaint stating that the nursing home continued to run despite its license expiring in 2018. According to VK Saxena, Dr. Das colluded with the nursing home’s management by keeping their license renewal pending, thus enabling its unauthorized operation.
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An initial anti-corruption inquiry suggested sufficient evidence to warrant a full investigation into Dr. Das’s actions. He served in the Nursing Home Cell from 2011 to 2015 and from 2018 to 2022, during which time Saxena claims he is responsible for the alleged misconduct.
This action against Dr. Das and the Delhi Health Ministry comes amid a tragic fire at a private children’s hospital, where seven infants died, sparking a significant political row. The LG linked the hospital fire to licensing failures, criticizing Dr. Das for allowing the hospital’s registration without ensuring compliance with safety regulations, including fire safety.
Saxena has expressed disappointment with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj for their response to the fire incident, accusing them of “paying only lip service” and shirking responsibility. In response, Saxena has ordered an anti-corruption probe into possible lapses in the registration and regulatory management of private nursing homes in Delhi.
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The AAP has not yet responded to these allegations, but Bhardwaj has initiated a mandatory audit of safety equipment in city hospitals and ordered a magistrate-level investigation into the fire incident.
This development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between LG Saxena and the AAP government, adding to the political tensions in Delhi as the 2024 Lok Sabha election approaches.
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