Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday the immediate cancellation of the license for a Jan Aushadhi Kendra operating within a government hospital in Dwarka. This decisive action comes after a viral Instagram video allegedly depicted staff at the outlet refusing to provide essential medicines to patients and their attendants.
Viral Video Sparks Public Outcry
The incident gained significant traction after an Instagram Reel, widely shared and tagged to the Chief Minister, captured a man alleging that hospital staff were not issuing prescribed medicines. The video reportedly showed an argument where staff members were heard dismissing the patient's concerns and challenging him to complain to authorities.
Chief Minister Gupta addressed the issue, highlighting the unacceptable nature of such behavior in public services. “Refusing to provide something as essential as medicine because the floor is being mopped is simply unacceptable,” she stated, referencing the specific complaint from the viral clip.
CM Emphasizes Accountability in Public Service
In a strong message, Gupta reiterated her government's commitment to citizen-centric governance. “Public service is non-negotiable. The licence of the concerned medical store stands cancelled with immediate effect,” she declared. She warned that individuals or institutions found denying rightful services, defying lawful directions, or displaying arrogance towards the public would face severe repercussions.
“In Delhi, there will be zero tolerance for negligence, indifference or abuse of authority. Every public-facing institution exists to serve the people, not to inconvenience them,” Rekha Gupta affirmed.
This action aligns with the Delhi government’s broader push for accountability and reinforces the rights of citizens to receive timely public services.
New Right to Services Bill Strengthens Citizen Rights
The Chief Minister linked the swift response to the recently cleared Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service) Bill, 2026. This proposed legislation aims to solidify timely delivery of notified government services as a legal right and establish penalties for officials responsible for unjustified delays.
The new bill, which will replace the 2011 Act, plans for comprehensive digitization of government services, automatic escalation of delayed cases, and the creation of an independent Delhi Right to Service Commission. Officials causing unwarranted delays could face fines of up to ₹5,000, though they will have an opportunity to present their explanation.