Delhi to act against Fortis Shalimar Bagh over patient care lapses

The Delhi government will initiate action against Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh after a district administration inquiry found multiple alleged irregularities, including lapses in patient care, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The probe was ordered by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta after a complaint was received during a Jan Sunwai. The complaint alleged that the hospital demanded payment before starting treatment of a young man with stab injuries and that the delay in providing timely medical care led to his death.

According to the statement, an inspection team led by the Central District Magistrate, along with officials from the Health Department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Fire Service and other departments, inspected the hospital on Thursday. The team examined CCTV footage and records maintained by the emergency department.

The statement said the footage showed that the injured young man had walked into the emergency department on his own, suggesting that timely treatment could have saved his life. It also said the inspection found alleged violations of building by-laws, unauthorised construction, deficiencies in the fire safety system, misuse of the basement and serious lapses in following standard operating procedures related to medical protocols.

Fortis Hospital said it would fully cooperate in the matter. "Fortis remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance. We will review the details once formally shared with us and extend our full cooperation to the authorities. Patient safety and well-being continue to be our foremost priority," the hospital said.

The government said that, in view of the alleged irregularities and lapses in patient care, it has decided to begin action against the hospital and is preparing a detailed inquiry report.

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