Post-fire sealing drive in Delhi shrinks affordable lodging for patients

The sealing of illegal bed-and-breakfast (B&B) facilities across Delhi following the June 3 Hauz Rani fire that claimed 23 lives has left many patients and their families struggling to find affordable accommodation near major private hospitals in the national capital.

While there has been support for stricter enforcement following the fire, many feel the incident has also highlighted a shortage of safe and affordable lodging options near hospitals for those who come to Delhi for months-long treatment.

Long road to recovery

“We had already booked a room in a B&B in Hauz Rani. The fire happened on the day we reached. We had to look elsewhere immediately,” said Thomas Berhana, 41, who arrived from Ethiopia on a medical visa with a family member for treatment at a south Delhi private hospital. The family eventually found a hotel in Jangpura.

“We are paying almost double now. The distance is also greater, which makes things difficult because we have hospital visits every day. Our budget is much tighter now,” Mr. Berhana said.

According to government data, 705 properties in 13 revenue districts of Delhi have been inspected since June 5. Most of those examined were found to be violating fire safety norms, lacked mandatory no-objection certificates from the fire department, or were operating more rooms than permitted under their licences.

As of June 12, authorities had carried out 212 sealing and demolition actions against 198 illegal properties following the fire incident.

A notice pasted on the wall of a building after being sealed by authorities following the massive fire on June 3 in south Delhi.
| Photo Credit:
SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

Support system

For years, however, these neighbourhood accommodations had become an informal support system for medical travellers. A local pharmacist in Hauz Rani, who requested anonymity, said many of his regular customers were patients and attendants from countries such as Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. “We sold medicines at reasonable prices, and over time a bond developed. Some still call to ask about medicines, but most of the people who used to stay here have gone,” he said.

Patients often chose these areas because of their proximity to hospitals and lower costs. In Pocket 10 of Jasola Vihar, behind a major private hospital in south-east Delhi, accommodation options ranging from serviced apartments to guest houses typically cost between ₹900 and ₹2,000 a day. Patients from across India and countries such as Oman, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kenya frequently stay in the area. Families staying there said the Hauz Rani fire has made them more conscious of safety risks.

Affordability supreme

Mohammed, who arrived from Sudan with his family and booked accommodation for nearly two months to complete pre-surgery formalities and support post-operative recovery, said they plan to move into a rented room next week. “The rent will be higher, but we don’t see many options,” he said.

Christian, 52, a Nigerian national, said he has also become more aware of potential hazards. “The lanes are congested, and sometimes you wonder what would happen if there was an emergency. But treatment itself is expensive. People choose places they can afford,” he said. Shirish, 31, who came from Madhya Pradesh for his mother’s treatment, said affordability outweighed convenience. After the B&B his family had booked was sealed, they shifted to Saket. “For a family seeking medical treatment, affordability is the most important thing,” he said.