(a) whether it is mandatory for hospitals in the country to provide treatment to poor patients
to the extent of 30 percent in their hospitals;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to refer patients from Government hospitals to
private hospitals in order to ensure that the said conditions/ norms are being followed by the
private hospitals;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a) to (e) Health being a state list subject, it is for the concerned State Government
to provide medical facilities to the people in accordance with the prevalent rules &
regulations in their respective state. There are no Central Act/Rules/Regulations/guidelines
which make it mandatory for hospitals in the country to provide treatment to poor people to
the extent of 30 percentage.
However, as per directions of the Delhi High Court, Government of NCT of Delhi have
framed guidelines for provision of free treatment facilities to the extent of 10% free beds
and 25% free OPD patients of Economically Weaker Section category by those private hospitals
which have been provided land at concessional rates. These guidelines have been sent to 36
hospitals for compliance. Any of these private hospitals found to be not complying with these
guidelines is to be proceeded against as per the direction of the Hon’ble High Court and such
hospital will also be liable for contempt of the Court.
Central Government Hospitals in Delhi are referring poor patients to such private
hospitals.