New Delhi: The scope of free treatment for economically weaker section (EWS) patients in private hospitals in Delhi is set to expand. In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the Delhi government has said that 107 private hospitals in the capital are obligated to provide free treatment to economically weaker patients under the conditions attached to land allotted at concessional rates or with government support. In addition to 51 hospitals already under monitoring, 56 more hospitals have been identified.
According to the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment, hospitals that received land at concessional rates are required to reserve 25 percent of their total outpatient department (OPD) services and 10 percent of beds available for admitted patients (IPD) free of cost for EWS patients. The purpose of the arrangement is to ensure that no eligible person is denied treatment due to financial hardship.
The government told the court that notices have been issued to 28 of the newly identified 56 hospitals. Replies have been received from 19 of these hospitals and are being examined. Notices were not issued to 17 institutions because some hospitals were found closed and some premises were being used for other purposes.
According to the Delhi government, inspections and verification of documents are continuing to check compliance with the rules in hospitals. The court has directed the government to continue the process of identifying hospitals and ensuring compliance, and to submit a progress report by 19 January 2027.
The initiative may increase opportunities for eligible patients to receive free treatment. However, monitoring actual availability in hospitals and compliance with the rules will also be necessary.
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