Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed critical infrastructure concerns at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) following a meeting with the hospital's doctors and student representatives on Monday, June 23, 2025. The primary focus of the discussion was the dilapidated condition of the existing student hostels, prompting the Chief Minister to order their immediate renovation.
Gupta, who assumed office in February 2025, expressed her dismay at the neglected state of the facilities, directly criticizing the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for their lack of attention to the institution's infrastructure. "I am shocked at the irresponsibility of the previous governments. It's appalling to see the poor state of such a prestigious institution like Maulana Azad Medical College and the condition of the students studying here,” Gupta stated. The AAP has since responded, defending their record by stating they built a world-class healthcare system while in power.
The meeting at the Delhi Secretariat involved senior officials from the Health Department, the Public Works Department (PWD), college administration, and student union representatives. Key issues raised by the students included the poor condition of hostel buildings, inadequate campus security, insufficient lighting, a shortage of security personnel, and illegal encroachments within the college premises. Students also expressed concerns about creating a safe and secure environment.
Gupta directed the PWD officials to immediately commence repair and renovation work on the hostels to improve living conditions. Furthermore, she instructed officials to expedite the construction of new hostel units to accommodate the growing number of students and doctors. This directive comes shortly after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, along with Gupta and Health Minister Pankaj Singh, reviewed the infrastructure and security arrangements at MAMC, Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital, and the Guru Nanak Eye Centre Complex the previous week. The review revealed security lapses and an acute shortage of accommodation across these institutions.
The Chief Minister highlighted the severe overcrowding in the existing hostels. Built between 1966 and 1990, the seven hostels were originally designed to accommodate 1,200 students. However, they currently house approximately 3,200 students, resulting in cramped and substandard living conditions, with as many as eight students sharing a room. Basic amenities such as study tables are also lacking.
To address the security concerns, Gupta ordered the installation of LED street lighting throughout the campus, along with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and an increased security presence. She also announced a special drive to remove illegal encroachments from the college campus. Female students specifically raised concerns about the shortage of security guards and the need for a safer environment. Gupta has requested officials to submit progress reports every 15 days to ensure regular monitoring and accountability in the renovation and construction efforts.
Maulana Azad Medical College, established in 1958 and named after Indian freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, is a government medical college affiliated with the University of Delhi. It is located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and is associated with four hospitals: Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, GB Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, and Guru Nanak Eye Centre. These hospitals collectively provide 2,800 beds and cater to millions of patients from Delhi and neighboring states.
