A portion of the ceiling inside the emergency operation theatre complex of Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital collapsed recently, escalating concerns about the condition of the only government tertiary hospital in the trans-Yamuna area of east Delhi. The incident occurred in the washing area attached to the operation theatre, but no injuries were reported.
Staff Raise Alarm Over Deteriorating Infrastructure
Doctors and staff stated that the collapse underscores the deteriorating state of the decades-old emergency block, posing risks to both healthcare workers and patients. A resident doctor noted, "A few months ago, a part of the roof and false ceiling fell inside the OT. On Wednesday, it happened in the washing area where we scrub before and after surgeries. Luckily, no one was scrubbing there at that time."
Medical staff alleged that the ageing structure is in poor condition, with damaged false ceilings exposing rusted iron bars, heavily seepaged ceilings, pillars, and other structural elements. Repeated complaints have reportedly yielded little action. Another doctor remarked, "Doctors and staff are scared to work there, especially since it compromises patient safety. The emergency OT is extremely busy and functions round the clock throughout the week. More than 15 to 20 surgeries, including orthopaedic, general surgery, neurosurgery and ENT procedures, are conducted there every day."
Plans for Shifting Services Unclear
Doctors mentioned hearing earlier plans to shift emergency services to the nearby Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital, but no clear information has been shared. Additionally, staff pointed out faulty sewage lines, leaking pipes, and chronic water seepage within the old hospital building. A senior doctor alleged, "The building was supposed to be abandoned, but got an extension a few years ago. The sewage system and pipes are faulty, washrooms remain blocked, and during rain, parts of the ground floor get flooded with sewage water."
Long-Pending Expansion Project Delayed
Hospital staff also highlighted delays in a long-pending expansion project. According to doctors, a new building was proposed behind Delhi State Cancer Institute, and the iron framework for a four-storeyed structure has remained incomplete for the past four to five years. No reply was received from the hospital administration or the Delhi government.
The Public Works Department had sought environmental clearance in February 2020 for a major expansion project to increase GTB Hospital's capacity from 881 to 1,687 beds at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore. The current building was completed in 1991. Government records show that the revamp project was sanctioned in September 2021, with the planned capacity later revised to 1,912 beds. While the hospital currently has around 1,400 beds, officials estimate that occupancy often exceeds 1,500 patients.
Plans for Integration
In March, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to integrate GTB Hospital, Delhi State Cancer Institute, and Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital into a unified autonomous medical institution modelled on AIIMS.
