NEW DELHI: In a move expected to significantly widen access to free healthcare for low-income families, Delhi govt raised the annual income ceiling for economically weaker section (EWS) patients entitled to free treatment in identified private hospitals in the city from Rs 2.20 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The revised eligibility norm was notified by directorate general of health services (DGHS) on Friday, following directions of Delhi High Court and a decision taken by a special committee constituted to review the income criteria for such patients. The change will apply to all eligible patients seeking free treatment in identified private hospitals across the capital.

According to the order, the enhancement aligns the medical income limit with the criterion already applicable for EWS admissions in private schools in Delhi, as noted by the court earlier. The earlier threshold was found to be inadequate in the current economic context.The issue was raised before HC by amicus advocate Ashok Agarwal, following which the bench directed Delhi govt to examine the matter. Agarwal said the decision would enable more poor patients, including those from outside Delhi, to access free treatment in private hospitals. He said 62 large private hospitals are legally bound to provide 10% free inpatient care and 25% free outpatient care to EWS patients. “There are over 1,000 free beds in these hospitals. Poor patients can walk in free and walk out free,” Agarwal said. Under existing norms, Delhi private hospitals allotted public land at concessional rates are obligated to provide free treatment to such patients, who can come from any part of the country, not just the city. DGHS directed medical superintendents and nodal officers of identified hospitals to strictly comply with the revised income ceiling. Any deviation, the order said, will be viewed seriously. The notification also reiterates the need for continuous monitoring of free treatment for EWS patients, including periodic reviews by a monitoring committee, in line with High Court directions.