The Poornima Sethi Multi-Speciality Hospital project in Kalkaji, initiated two decades ago, remains largely non-functional despite the completion of its massive infrastructure. Although the building was completed in 2015 and Out-Patient Department (OPD) services were launched on October 19 of that year, the facility has failed to progress a single step towards becoming a full-fledged hospital in the ten years since.
Timeline Of Delays And Cost Overruns
The project was initiated in 2005 after receiving approval from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Standing Committee.
Delays: While it was scheduled for completion within three years, construction only began five years later.
Cost Escalation: Due to these delays, the project cost spiralled from the initial estimate of Rs 31 crore to Rs 52 crore.
Infrastructure Vs. Reality
The hospital, named after a former BJP MLA from Kalkaji, is housed in an eight-storey building constructed on an 8,450-square-metre plot with a built-up area of 26,102 square metres.
The Plan: The facility was designed to expand to a 100-bed capacity offering multi-speciality services including paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, ENT, and dentistry. The complex also includes 20 staff quarters and parking for 104 cars.
The Reality: For the past ten years, only the ground floor has been utilized for general OPD services. The remaining seven floors and the parking area remain vacant and are gathering dust.
Structural Flaws And Compliance Issues
According to sources, the stagnation of the project is linked to the disregard of several construction standards.
Soil and Foundation: The hospital was built on land that was previously a large pond. Consequently, water seeps into the basement. Furthermore, the eight-storey structure was reportedly constructed without proper soil testing.
Regulatory Hurdles: Due to these structural issues, the hospital has not yet received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department and other relevant authorities, preventing full operationalization.
Official Stance
Local Councillor Yogita Singh acknowledged the importance of the facility, stating that the hospital would be a great relief for the residents of Kalkaji.
Current Efforts: Singh noted that while obstacles at various levels caused delays, the current BJP government in Delhi has held continuous discussions with relevant departments to resolve these issues.
Future Outlook: She asserted that she is trying to make the hospital fully operational during her term.
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