Fate of patients, staff hangs in the balance

The decision to cancel the license of the Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh has put a question mark on the fate of nearly 2,000 employees working in the hospital, besides the numerous patients currently availing treatment from there.

In 2017 till now, the hospital admitted more than 33,000 patients. The 250-bed facility also welcomed over 1.5 lakh patients in its OPD this year. Now, the hospital cannot admit any new patients.

The government has directed the hospital to finish the treatment of all indoor patients admitted but has given no direction regarding the employees. "It is not our duty. The hospital should decide what to do with their staff," Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said.

In its official statement, the hospital stated that it will explore its options. "We have received a notice of cancellation of the license. We strongly believe that this ruling is harsh and that we have not been given adequate opportunity to be heard.

We believe that even if there is an individual error of judgement, holding the hospital responsible is unfair and will severely limit the ability of patients to access treatment. This will compound the shortage of hospital facilities in the national Capital. We will explore all options available to us. We stand firmly behind our commitment to patient care, clinical, and service excellence to the best of our capabilities," the hospital statement read.