DDA’s auction of hospital plots takes off in earnest sense
Nidhi Srivastava & Usha Holla - New Delhi/Mumbai

If generous allotment of prime plots to hospitals is the norm commonly observed in a majority of states, Delhi has opted to be different. In a significant change from the routine process, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has opted to invite bids for auctioning of hospital plots in Dwarka and Saket regions in the capital.

The bidding called around a month ago through advertisements in leading dialies was the culmination of the decision taken one year ago when DDA had adopted a policy of auctioning hospital plots instead of the existing practice of providing them at institutional or concession rates. According to a DDA official, as per DDA’s rules, any company that buys its plots has to give 25 per cent services on subsidised rates for poor people. “However, some hospitals bought the land but did not comply with the laid conditions. Hence we decided to auction the plots. By doing this we won’t lose out on the money and at the same time, the land will go to some reputed group that can do the job well,” the official added.

June 7 was the last date for filing the bids. On asked how many applications were received by them and the names of major applicants, the official refused to divulge details on the same. But added, ‘‘We are trying our best to attract good names, in fact till now only reputed companies have approached.’’

According to industry observers, to begin with, DDA has ten such plots on offer. Speaking on this the official said, ‘‘We have built our masterplan in such a fashion that maximum facilities are provided in all corners of the city.’’

Instances wherein trusts who are given prime plots to build hospitals flouting the rules of providing specific number free beds is rampant all over India. ‘‘Irony is that all the so-called five-star hospitals in Mumbai are trust-based,’’ remarked an industry observer quoting on anonymity. It may be recalled that the Maharashtra government had given free land to Dr Nitu Mandke for a cardiac hospital in Andheri. More recently a 50 acre plot in Navi Mumbai was given free to Sri Sathya Sai Baba Trust for building a super speciality hospital. Delhi’s example may prove to be an eye-opener for the other states.