Delhi govt on high alert over Mpox, criticises Lt Governor for delay in hiring

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday said the city authorities are maintaining strict vigil on the MPOX issue and are closely monitoring the developments.

During a press conference, he said they are closely monitoring the steps taken by both the central and other state governments. ”We are closely monitoring the situation. We are closely monitoring the steps taken by both the central and (other) state governments.” Earlier this week, the Delhi government had directed LNJP Hospital, GTB Hospital and Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital to set up isolation wards for treating suspected and confirmed cases of mpox, while emphasising that no patients were detected. Subsequently, LNJP Hospital was designated as the nodal facility, while the other two are on standby.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to its prevalence and spread in many parts of Africa.

Meanwhile, Bharadwaj criticised Lt Governor VK Saxena for delays in staffing new and existing hospitals.

Bharadwaj said while the Delhi government is working on infrastructure development, including building four new hospitals and improving facilities in 13 others, the lack of recruitment of doctors and paramedical staff has made these efforts incomplete.

He pointed out that around 14,000 new beds have been added in Delhi hospitals but without adequate staffing they will be of little use.

Bharadwaj also accused the Lt. Governor’s Office of inaction and wondered why no meetings were held in the last two years to resolve the staffing issue.

The Health Minister added that if the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is unable to meet this responsibility, it should be handed over to an elected government that will ensure that the necessary positions are filled.

(Based on information from the agency.)