NEW DELHI: Amid a renewed clash between the AAP government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) over the alleged withholding of funds for the 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme, the Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to key authorities.
The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sudhanshu Dhulia, directed responses from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the directorate general of health services, and others.
Expressing confusion over the inter-governmental discord, the bench remarked, "We don't understand this. One wing of the government is fighting with another wing of the government. Issue notice."
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, highlighted that 23,000 road accident victims had received cashless treatment in private hospitals through the 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme. Singhvi expressed frustration over the repeated interruption of payments, emphasizing that the matter pertains to social welfare without political implications.
The scheme encourages citizens to assist road accident victims, with the government covering hospital expenses. The Delhi government's plea urged the immediate reinstatement of the allegedly "defunct" scheme, attributing its deterioration to the non-release of funds. The petition demanded the swift settlement of outstanding bills owed to private hospitals and the initiation of disciplinary action, including suspension, against negligent officials.
The petition underscored the adverse impact on medical aid for road accident victims, citing the reluctance of hospitals to admit patients due to pending payments. It accused health department officials of inaction and mismanagement, characterizing the non-payment of bills as a deliberate effort to "sabotage" the scheme. The petition specifically called for action against Dr Nutan Mundeja, a former Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and Dr SB Deepak Kumar, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare.
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