New Delhi: Between 300 and 500 calls are being dropped every week on the helpline that provides information on the availability of ICU beds in Delhi government hospitals. Expressing concern over the problem, the Delhi High Court has asked the government to improve the system and submit a detailed status report on the related shortcomings. The court has also sought a response on issues linked to staff shortages in health services and the availability of equipment in hospitals.
According to a report placed before the bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, the toll-free number 102 received an average of 2,186 calls per day in September 2026. Of these, about 22 percent, or an average of 484 calls daily, were dropped. ICU bed-related queries stood at 57 in September and 41 in October.
To address the call-drop problem, Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) has said it will start 10 additional helpdesk lines and arrange staff for round-the-clock operations. The court has directed the government to take the necessary steps in this direction.
The court also asked that the process of filling vacant posts in government hospitals be expedited. The Delhi government has been directed to send requisitions for vacant posts to the Union Public Service Commission within two weeks. Contractual appointments to vacant paramedical staff posts have been asked to be completed within two months.
According to the report, of a total of 7,173 sanctioned posts in the General Duty Medical Officer, non-teaching and paramedical categories, 1,855 are vacant. The court has also directed hospitals to provide lists of unusable and essential equipment and ensure their availability. The matter will be heard next on December 17.
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