New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated an advanced dual-source 256-slice CT scanner and three MRI machines at Lok Nayak Hospital on Thursday under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, aimed at strengthening diagnostic services in government healthcare facilities.
The equipment has been provided by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, IOCL Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney and other dignitaries attended the inauguration.
According to the Delhi government, the new machines will improve diagnostic capabilities across several medical specialties, including emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology, urology, neurology, orthopaedics and paediatrics.
The equipment is expected to facilitate faster and more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as stroke, cancer, liver and prostate diseases, and muscular and bone disorders, enabling timely medical intervention.
Speaking at the event, Gupta highlighted several healthcare initiatives introduced at Lok Nayak Hospital, including a Lactation Management Unit that functions as a milk bank to support mothers and newborns.
She said the hospital had also been equipped with a Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) machine, which enables testing for HIV and hepatitis in approximately 48 hours. The technology is intended to improve blood screening and strengthen transfusion safety.
A dedicated ward has also been established for patients with rare diseases to provide specialised treatment and necessary medical facilities.
The Chief Minister referred to the government’s ‘Anmol Yojana’, which focuses on early detection of genetic disorders in newborns. Under the initiative, a blood sample collected shortly after birth is used to screen infants for potential genetic conditions, allowing treatment to begin at an early stage.
Gupta reiterated the Delhi government’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent residents from accessing quality healthcare.
She said the administration was expanding modern medical technology, upgrading hospital infrastructure and strengthening diagnostic services to improve patient care across government hospitals.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the advanced dual-source CT scanner and 3-Tesla MRI system would significantly reduce diagnostic delays and improve access to specialised testing.
Noting that Lok Nayak Hospital serves a densely populated area and receives lakhs of patients, Singh announced that CT scan and MRI services would be provided free of cost.
He also highlighted the introduction of newborn screening facilities under ‘Mission Anmol’ at the hospital, citing the large number of patients seeking treatment there.
Singh criticised the previous Delhi government, alleging that it had failed to prioritise such healthcare facilities during its 12-year tenure.
The Delhi government said it was working to expand modern diagnostic and treatment infrastructure across its hospitals to improve accessibility and the quality of public healthcare.
Meanwhile, Gupta criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, accusing them of focusing on her personal mannerisms, attire and public engagements rather than issues affecting Delhi residents.
She urged opposition parties to engage in discussions on development initiatives and public welfare, asserting that her government was working to address shortcomings in public services that had persisted under previous administrations.
Referring to concerns over crime, drug trafficking and public safety in Punjab, Gupta questioned the Opposition’s priorities.
She also cited allegations of misconduct and exploitation involving female students and a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, calling on opposition leaders to address such issues.
The Chief Minister further remarked that references to Lord Ram in public discourse could be viewed positively.
[DD News]