On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court expressed amazement that the Delhi government was allegedly refusing to accept financial assistance through a health program that was financed by the Center.
The Delhi government’s refusal to accept Center’s help when it had “no money” for its healthcare system was deemed “strange” by a bench consisting of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
“You may have difference of opinion but in this case you are refusing aid.. None of your machines are working. The machines have to work but you have no money actually,” it said.
CJ Manmohan went ahead to remark, “Today you are refusing Rs 5 lakh for the citizens. I am shocked.”
Seven BJP MPs have moved the High Court to direct the AAP government to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
The lawmakers, in their PIL, said Delhi was the only union territory where the beneficial healthcare scheme for the underprivileged was yet to be implemented, therefore, depriving them of the essential health coverage of Rs 5 lakh.
“I have been saying openly in court that you are virtually bankrupt. Your health minister and health secretary are not talking to each other. In that sort of a mess you are not not accepting central aid,” CJ Manmohan remarked further.
The hearing has been posted on November 28 to enable the Delhi government standing counsel to go through the plea which he said seemed to be “misconceived”.
The court said the central scheme was just an aid being given to a particular segment of citizens and steps must be taken to iron out the differences within the Delhi administration.
It also expressed its anguish over the non-completion of several upcoming hospitals due to lack of funds with the city government.
The court said it was getting petitions by legislators everyday with respect to their grievances allegedly not being addressed which was “not good”.
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Source: Business Standard
