New Delhi: The Supreme Court has warned Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi that it may be handed over to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) if it fails to comply with its 1994 lease agreement requirement of providing free treatment to the poor.
Court Orders Inspection of Records
On Tuesday, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh directed an inspection of the hospital’s records from the last five years to verify whether it has provided free medical care to 30% of indoor and 40% of outdoor patients, as stipulated in its lease agreement. The hospital was allotted 15 acres of land on Mathura Road at a nominal lease of ₹1 per month on the condition that it offers free treatment to underprivileged patients.
The court’s warning came while hearing an appeal by Indraprastha Medical Corporation Limited (IMCL), which runs Apollo Hospital, against a 2009 Delhi High Court order that had directed the hospital to ensure free medical care for the poor.
Delhi Govt Under Scrutiny
IMCL’s counsel argued that the hospital operates as a joint venture, with the Delhi government holding a 26% stake and benefiting from its earnings. In response, Justice Surya Kant remarked that if the government is profiting instead of ensuring care for the poor, it is an unfortunate situation.
The bench also raised concerns about the hospital’s lease expiring in 2023 and asked the Delhi and Central governments to confirm whether it has been renewed. If not, the authorities must clarify what legal steps have been taken regarding the land.
Supreme Court’s Directives
The court has sought:
- Total bed strength and OPD records for the past five years.
- Details of free treatment provided to poor patients during this period.
- Hospital administration’s full cooperation with the inspection team.
The hospital has been given one month to submit its affidavit, and the matter will be heard again afterward.
Background: Delhi HC’s 2009 Ruling
The Delhi High Court had earlier ordered Apollo Hospital to:
- Dedicate one-third of its beds (200 beds) for free treatment of indoor patients.
- Provide free treatment to 40% of outdoor patients.
- Set up special referral centers in government hospitals to facilitate emergency cases being transferred to Apollo for immediate treatment.
With the Supreme Court now closely monitoring the case, Apollo Hospital faces strict scrutiny over its compliance with these obligations, and failure to meet them could result in AIIMS taking over its operations.
