Delhi Government to Act Against Fortis Hospital After Inquiry Finds Lapses in Patient Death
The Delhi government has announced it will take action against Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh following a district administration inquiry that found multiple irregularities, including lapses in patient care that may have contributed to a young man's death, an official statement said on Thursday.
The inquiry was ordered by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta after a complaint received during a public hearing alleged that the hospital demanded payment before treating a youth with stab injuries, and that the delay in providing timely medical care led to his death.
An inspection team led by the Central District Magistrate, along with officials from the Health Department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Fire Service, and other departments, examined the hospital on Thursday. The team reviewed CCTV footage and emergency department records. The footage showed the injured youth walking into the emergency department on his own, suggesting that timely treatment might have saved his life, the statement said.
The inspection also found alleged violations of building by-laws, unauthorised construction, deficiencies in the fire safety system, misuse of the basement, and serious lapses in adherence to standard operating procedures governing medical protocols.
In response, Fortis Hospital issued a statement assuring full cooperation. "Fortis remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance. We will review the details once formally shared with us and extend our full cooperation to the authorities. Patient safety and well-being continue to be our foremost priority," the hospital said.
The government is preparing a detailed inquiry report and has decided to initiate action against the hospital based on the findings. The exact nature of the action has not been specified.
