Supreme Court orders Delhi private hospitals to offer free treatment to poor people

The Supreme Court on Monday passed an order that private hospitals in Delhi which were given subsidised land by the government will have to provide free treatment to patients belonging to the weaker sections of the society.

The apex court said that all private hospitals operating or functioning in Delhi which have got land at cheaper rates shall give free treatment to 25 per cent Out Patient Departments (OPD) patients. It also ordered that 10 per cent of the In Patient Departments (IPD) poor patients should be given free treatment.

Supreme Court made it clear that if these private hospitals try to resist then it can lead to cancellation of their lease.

The top court also sought periodical reports from the Delhi government on the issue.

--ANI