Considering raising income limit for free treatment, govt tells HC
Move to benefit thousands of additional needy patients at private hospitals
The Delhi Government has informed the Delhi High Court that it is considering raising the annual income ceiling for free treatment of economically weaker section (EWS) patients in private hospitals from the existing RS 2.25 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Once implemented, the proposed revision is expected to benefit thousands of additional needy patients.
The submission was made before a Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora.
Counsel for the Delhi Government told the court that a meeting of the Dr SK Sarin Committee was held on December 2, during which the proposal to enhance the EWS income threshold was discussed in detail.
The government has prepared the requisite documentation, and the file is currently pending approval from the competent authority. The revised income limit will be notified once a final decision is taken.
After hearing the submissions, the Delhi High Court directed the government to place a copy of its final decision on record. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 7, on which date the Delhi Government has been asked to submit a detailed status report.
Senior advocate Ashok Aggarwal, appearing as amicus curiae before the Dr SK Sarin Committee, informed the court that 62 private hospitals in Delhi have reserved over 1,000 beds for EWS patients.
He stated that EWS patients from across the country are entitled to free treatment at these hospitals, and that increasing the income limit would enable a larger number of poor and lower-middle-class patients to avail themselves of this facility.
