RS 614 crore more to bring Kriplani hospital back to life

The union health ministry has sent a revised cost of Rs. 1200 crore (approx.) to the expenditure committee for redevelopment of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and Sucheta Kriplani hospital (SKH) associated with it. It has also assured that the work on the project, which has remained stuck for nearly three years, will resume by the end of this year. A recent inspection by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) of the old building, which continues to be used for patient services at the 877-bedded SKH, revealed the iron girders supporting its roof had completely rusted and were not capable of bearing any load. Using the building in its present condition is equivalent to putting the lives of patients, hospital staff, and others in danger, the report stated. Union health minister JP Nadda called for all details of the project. Following this, a team of bureaucrats visited LHMC and held a joint meeting with faculty members and resident doctors. The team assured the hospital staff that approvals were being expedited to ensure that the work resumed in three to four months.