A political stir has erupted after a newborn died at Kasturba Hospital in Delhi due to a power shutdown and lack of backup electricity. The delivery was performed using a torchlight. Both Congress and BJP have criticized Delhi’s government and MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi.
Investigation Ordered
Following the incident, MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi has taken action. She has instructed the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) Commissioner to investigate the matter. In her letter to the MCD Commissioner, Oberoi referred to a media report revealing that on August 22, 2024, a newborn died at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital because of a power outage. She has asked for a serious investigation to identify the responsible officials and ensure strict action is taken against them.
Delhi’s Healthcare System Under Scrutiny
Before Oberoi’s order, Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and MCD for failing in their responsibilities. He claimed that the incident at Kasturba Hospital, where a delivery was conducted with torchlight, exposes the failures of the government’s healthcare system.
Yadav alleged that the newborn’s death was due to the lack of electricity at the hospital. He accused Delhi’s Mayor and Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj of being directly responsible for the negligence. Yadav called for a public apology and compensation for the affected family, blaming the AAP government for the deteriorating state of healthcare in Delhi.
