Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited patients and their families camping on roads, footpaths, and subways near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Gandhi expressed his concern over their struggles and accused both the Central and Delhi governments of neglecting their responsibilities toward these vulnerable individuals.
Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi does a midnight inspection of Delhi’s AIIMS. #Congress #Rahulgandhi #AIIMS #hospital pic.twitter.com/WddUvNIcyk
— Sneha Mordani (@snehamordani) January 17, 2025
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Addressing the Plight of the Unseen
During his visit, Gandhi interacted with several patients and their families who had traveled from distant regions seeking treatment at AIIMS. Many of them have been forced to endure harsh conditions, spending nights in the biting cold without adequate shelter or support.
Sharing his observations on Instagram, Gandhi wrote in Hindi, “Burdened by disease, the biting cold, and government apathy—today I met patients and their families outside AIIMS who have come from far-off places seeking treatment.”
He further added, “On their journey to receive treatment, they are compelled to sleep on the streets, footpaths, and subways, clinging to hope amidst hunger, hardships, and the freezing ground.”
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Criticism of Government Apathy
Gandhi strongly criticized the Central and Delhi governments for their inaction in addressing the plight of these individuals. He accused both administrations of showing insensitivity and failing to provide basic facilities for those seeking medical care.
“The insensitivity of both the Central and Delhi governments is evident. They have completely failed to fulfill their responsibility toward the public,” Gandhi stated.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Rahul Gandhi reached AIIMS Delhi late night to check on people and their health
He is asking them about their problems and sufferings to help them ❤️
Leader of Opposition at duty, BEST INDIAN POLITICIAN AT THE MOMENT 🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/FcVdFCOVJY
— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) January 16, 2025
A Call for Compassionate Governance
This visit is part of Gandhi’s broader efforts to highlight issues affecting marginalized and underserved communities across the country. By drawing attention to the hardships faced by those awaiting treatment at AIIMS, Gandhi has emphasized the need for compassionate governance and better healthcare infrastructure.
Healthcare Inequities in Focus
Gandhi’s visit underscores a significant issue in India’s healthcare system: the lack of accessible and affordable care for people from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. AIIMS, as one of the country’s premier medical institutions, attracts patients from across India, many of whom cannot afford accommodations while awaiting treatment.
As winter intensifies in the capital, the situation for these patients and their families becomes increasingly dire, raising questions about the adequacy of government policies to support the healthcare needs of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
Rahul Gandhi’s gesture has resonated with many who see it as a reminder of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. However, critics argue that political leaders must go beyond rhetoric and work toward sustainable solutions to address systemic issues in healthcare.
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