Free Treatment for EWS Patients Under Scrutiny
In a strong move to enforce its earlier rulings, the Supreme Court of India has issued contempt notices to 51 private hospitals in New Delhi for failing to provide free treatment and reserved beds to economically weaker section (EWS) patients. The court observed that these hospitals had violated its 2018 order mandating free services for the poor in exchange for concessional land allotments.
Bench Expresses Serious Concern Over Non-Compliance
A bench comprising Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria came down heavily on both the defaulting hospitals and public authorities. The judges questioned why contempt proceedings should not be initiated and why concessions granted by the Delhi government should not be withdrawn from these institutions.
Delhi Health Secretary Appointed as Nodal Officer
Expressing dissatisfaction with enforcement efforts, the court appointed the Delhi Health Secretary as the nodal officer to ensure strict compliance. The officer has been directed to take all necessary measures and is responsible for informing the court about any lapses by concerned authorities.
DDA, L&DO and MCD Directed to Cooperate
The court instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Land and Development Office (L&DO), and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to fully cooperate in the matter. It noted that previous letters sent by the Delhi government to these agencies had not been acted upon, reflecting a casual approach toward compliance.
2018 Judgment Mandated Free IPD and OPD Services
The proceedings stem from the court’s July 9, 2018 judgment, which reaffirmed that hospitals allotted land at subsidised rates must reserve 10% of their in-patient department (IPD) beds and provide 25% of out-patient department (OPD) services free of cost to EWS patients. Hospitals were also required to submit periodic compliance reports.
Compliance Levels Found Alarmingly Low
According to submissions made before the court, compliance has been significantly below the mandated thresholds. Fourteen hospitals issued notices last year recorded only 1–10% OPD performance against the required 25%. Except for one hospital, all failed to meet the 10% IPD bed quota for EWS patients.
Affidavit Reveals Widespread Violations
An affidavit filed by the Delhi government on February 18 stated that non-compliance was “manifest,” based on reports from the Directorate General of Health Services. Out of 63 hospitals that received land on concessional terms, 56 are currently functional and bound by the free treatment condition. Government liaison officers have been posted in these hospitals to facilitate access for eligible patients.
Income Limit for EWS Raised to ₹5 Lakh
In a related development, the Delhi government enhanced the annual income limit for EWS eligibility from ₹2.20 lakh to ₹5 lakh on January 2. The revision followed a 2023 judgment of the Delhi High Court applying the ₹5 lakh benchmark in private school admissions on concessional land. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 24, where the court is expected to review compliance progress.
