Urgent Call for Medical Infrastructure at Siri Fort Sports Complex Amid Safety Concerns

Concerns Over Medical Facilities at Siri Fort Sports Complex

New Delhi, August 11: Members of the esteemed Siri Fort Sports Complex (SFSC) in South Delhi have expressed serious worries regarding the inadequate medical facilities available at the venue. They claim that the lack of emergency medical care has resulted in avoidable tragedies and life-threatening situations.

Leading the charge for immediate administrative changes is Rajesh Agarwal, a long-standing member of the complex for over 20 years. He has lodged formal complaints with Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The complaints highlight a significant failure in providing essential first aid supplies, such as bandages, operational stretchers, and personnel trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

This initiative follows the unfortunate passing of member Anurag Gupta on July 25, who suffered a stroke while playing badminton on Court No. 3. Due to the absence of an on-site Medical Inspection (MI) room or trained medical staff, it took 30 minutes to transport him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Abhimanyu Bhatia, who was playing badminton with Gupta at the time of the incident, remarked that the humid conditions of July and August heighten the risk of heart-related emergencies. He stated, “If timely assistance had been provided, my friend might still be with us today. Injuries are a part of sports, and we urgently need a dedicated medical station for immediate care during critical moments.”

Agarwal expressed the emotional toll of the loss, saying, “We are like family here, and this tragedy has affected us all deeply. On the same day, I reached out to the Secretary, the Commissioner, and the LG of Delhi. We require a medical examination room and trained paramedics capable of administering CPR. Every staff member should be equipped with basic life support training. This is about saving lives, not just administrative issues.”

Safety concerns were again highlighted on August 8 when former Additional Solicitor General of India, PP Malhotra, collapsed on the walking track due to low blood sugar. Members noted that he was only saved thanks to the quick actions of bystanders, including a senior IPS officer who arranged for a private vehicle to take him to the hospital. Agarwal pointed out, “The management and the DDA played no role in his rescue.”

Long-term members have shared similar experiences that reveal a lack of preparedness for both minor and major medical emergencies.

Vijay Sethi, a member for 34 years, recounted a personal incident: “I had a severe cut on my finger that was bleeding heavily. I rushed from the Secretary’s office to the reception and entry gate, but I couldn’t find a single band-aid. This complex is supposed to be among the best in the country, yet the management is lacking.”

Hemant Chadda, a member for 25 years, added, “When a senior citizen collapsed, there was no stretcher available. We had to call for help from other members to carry her to a car. The internal golf cart meant for patient transport is out of service, and the keys are never available when needed.”

Members have criticized the lack of basic safety measures while the DDA has focused on commercial ventures. An RTI query revealed that a liquor license was granted to an on-site restaurant, despite existing regulations against alcohol and smoking on the premises.

While the DDA stated that alcohol consumption is limited to a designated dining area, members argue that essential sports management has been neglected, citing unsanitary restrooms and poor water quality despite high membership fees (₹1.25 lakh for life membership and ₹2,500 monthly fees).

In his formal appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Agarwal outlined a nine-point emergency protocol, calling for the immediate establishment of a fully equipped on-site Medical Inspection (MI) room, the deployment of qualified paramedical staff around the clock during operational hours, installation of emergency life-saving equipment like Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and mandatory CPR and basic life support training for all personnel, coaches, and security staff at the complex.

As of now, neither the DDA nor the office of the Lieutenant Governor has provided an official response to these serious allegations.