A comprehensive audit has unveiled that medical equipment worth several crores is lying idle in 26 Delhi government hospitals. These findings emerged from status reports submitted to the Delhi High Court, following the court’s order for a detailed examination of medical machinery in these hospitals. The reports detail the detrimental effect of various factors leading to this waste, including a lack of trained personnel and necessary repairs, as well as the inadequacy of accessories to make full use of the equipment.

Despite significant expenditure of public funds, expensive machines have remained unused for years. In numerous cases, equipment is functional but cannot be utilised due to the absence of specialists or technicians. Other machinery is pending repairs, testing, installation, or essential accessories needed for operation.

For instance, the Delhi State Cancer Institute has recorded instances of high-value machines that have either been underutilised or rendered non-functional. The Department of Nuclear Medicine has three high-value machines that stand as stark examples of underutilisation.

Specific Cases of Unused Machinery

The audit report from the Delhi State Cancer Institute reveals that various significant pieces of equipment have been inactive. A Medical Cyclotron, purchased in 2017 for approximately $2.532 million, has remained unused due to manpower shortages. Similarly, a PET Scanner purchased in 2021 is partially operational; however, its PET component requires NEMA testing. This situation is compounded by the presence of 32 other pieces of unused equipment within the Molecular Oncology Lab, with reported procurement costs amounting to around Rs 3.75 crore.

Additional findings highlight that the Gastroenterology Department possesses three scopes bought in 2014. While one is in use, an Upper GI Scope and a Lower GI Scope have reached the end of their service life and are non-functional. These specific cases illustrate the larger issue of inactivity across the board.

Moreover, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital’s audit has indicated a substantial rise in unused machinery acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic. Approximately 350 units across different departments are reported as idle. These include ventilators and BiPAP machines, which were once deemed crucial but are now unnecessary as hospital operations have reverted to normal.

Challenges in Utilisation of Equipment

A significant portion of the equipment, although operational, remains unused due to a shortage of professionals qualified to manage them. At Rao Tula Ram Memorial Hospital, an Ultrasound Unit has not been used for four years because there is no available radiologist. Similar challenges exist at other facilities, where the absence of specialised personnel is stalling the usage of otherwise functional medical machines.

The lack of installation and technical specifications also adds to the delay in utilising existing equipment. For example, an Anaesthesia Work Station at GNEX Delhi is still awaiting necessary documentation to proceed with its installation. There are ongoing efforts to rectify these gaps, yet the situation remains pressing.

These findings come as the Delhi High Court stresses the need for better management of ventilator-equipped ICU beds and operational emergency helplines. The court expressed serious concerns regarding the substantial amount of imported medical equipment lying unused and directed authorities to ensure adequate manpower for operations.

Government Response and Future Actions

In response to these findings, Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh attributed the situation to the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, indicating that the current administration is evaluating options to get these machines operational. Efforts are reportedly being made to replenish the medical workforce, which currently stands at a shortfall of 21 per cent.

Dr Singh also mentioned the pursuit of a public-private partnership model to enhance round-the-clock medical services such as CT scans and ultrasounds. Furthermore, investigations into procurement irregularities are underway, with steps being taken against those responsible.

The overarching question raised by the audit findings highlights the need for scrutiny regarding how investment in medical infrastructure translates into patient care, especially when so much equipment remains idle due to structural and operational inefficiencies.

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