Delhi’s Hospital Pavements: A Crisis of Care and Housing
In New Delhi, thousands of low-income families sleep on sidewalks, in subways, and other public spaces near major public hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. These patients and their caregivers travel from hundreds of miles away for specialized treatment but cannot afford lodging, forcing them to camp outside for weeks or months. While the hospitals provide subsidized medical care, they do not cover accommodation costs, leaving families to navigate a precarious existence on the pavement. A small ecosystem of volunteers, tea stalls, and charities provides basic support, but many still face hunger, exposure to the elements, and safety concerns. The situation highlights a critical gap in India’s public healthcare system, where access to treatment does not guarantee the ability to stay near the hospital during care.