In a landmark decision aimed at expanding affordable healthcare, the Delhi government has significantly increased the income eligibility limit for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patients seeking free treatment in the capital's private hospitals. The annual income ceiling has been raised from Rs 2.20 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, a move poised to bring thousands more families under the safety net of free medical care.
Court Directive Leads to Major Policy Shift
The revised norm was officially notified by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday. This action follows specific directions from the Delhi High Court and a decision taken by a special committee formed to review the income criteria. The court had observed that the earlier threshold of Rs 2.20 lakh was inadequate in the current economic context and needed revision.
The issue was brought before the High Court by amicus curiae advocate Ashok Agarwal. Subsequently, the bench directed the Delhi government to examine the matter. The new limit of Rs 5 lakh per annum now aligns with the criterion already applicable for EWS admissions in private schools across Delhi, as noted by the court.
Expanding Access to Free Beds and Treatment
This policy change is set to have a far-reaching impact. Advocate Ashok Agarwal highlighted that the decision would enable a greater number of poor patients, including those from outside Delhi, to access free treatment in private hospitals. He pointed out that 62 major private hospitals in the city, which were allotted public land at concessional rates, are legally bound to reserve 10% of their inpatient beds and 25% of their outpatient services for EWS patients.
"There are over 1,000 free beds in these hospitals. Poor patients can walk in free and walk out free," Agarwal stated. Under the existing norms, these benefits are available to eligible patients from any part of the country, not just Delhi residents.
Strict Compliance and Monitoring Enforced
The DGHS order has directed the medical superintendents and nodal officers of all identified hospitals to strictly comply with the revised income ceiling. The notification explicitly states that any deviation will be viewed seriously. It also reiterates the need for continuous monitoring of the free treatment provided to EWS patients.
In line with High Court directions, the order mandates periodic reviews by a monitoring committee to ensure the scheme's effective implementation. This enhanced scrutiny aims to guarantee that the expanded eligibility criteria translate into real-world access for the intended beneficiaries.
The revision marks a critical step in updating welfare schemes to reflect contemporary economic realities, potentially setting a precedent for similar healthcare initiatives in other parts of India. It strengthens the social obligation framework for private healthcare providers and promises to alleviate the financial burden of medical treatment for a significantly larger segment of low-income families.
