Delhi govt sanctions Rs 1.5 billion to remodel 94 dispensaries

New Delhi: In a bid to improve the healthcare apparatus in the city, the Delhi government has sanctioned over Rs 1.5 billion to remodel 94 dispensaries into polyclinics in the national capital. The government also said that a committee will be constituted to monitor the progress of the work on a regular basis.

In a written communication to Public Work Department’s engineer-in-chief, Rakesh Kumar Agrawal, director general of health services Kirti Bhusan said a committee will be constituted to monitor the work on regular basis.

“The government has given administrative approval and expenditure sanction of Rs 168.58 crore to remodel 94 dispensaries into polyclinics across the national capital,” an official said.

At present, around 30 polyclinics are operational in the national capital and the government has set a target of developing 150 such polyclinics in the city.

“The project (remodelling of 94 dispensaries) will be completed as per approved scope of work at the sanctioned cost within the stipulated period and no cost escalation will be allowed,” Mr Bhusan said.

In the letter, he said the Public Works Department will make penalty clauses in the contract agreement for delay and defects in execution of the project. “Adequate provision will be made for maintenance and up-keep for five years after completion of work,” Mr Bhushan said.

It stated that the status report maintained by the PWD will be submitted periodically to planning, finance and health depar-tments to monitor the work regularly. Twenty-two of the planned 150 polyclinics are expected to be operational and by the end of this year.