Private Hospitals in Delhi fail to reserve beds for needy
Private hospitals in Delhi, despite receiving government land at concessional rates, are failing to reserve the mandated beds for the poor, with only 2-4% compliance instead of the required 10-25%. This reflects a broader issue where the needy struggle to access affordable healthcare, despite court directives and government provisions aimed at ensuring their welfare.
The expensive treatment fees at private hospitals continue to be a major concern in India. In every state, there is a segment of the population for whom basic healthcare services are considered a luxury. Despite continuous efforts by all Indian governments to enhance public health services, the country's government healthcare infrastructure still struggles to support the entire population. In this context, offering free treatment to the underprivileged in numerous private hospitals could be advantageous for our nation.
Across the nation, including in Delhi, the government often allocates land to private hospitals at a price below market value. These hospitals are then required to allocate 10 to 25 percent of their beds to underprivileged patients. However, instances of non-compliance with these regulations by private hospitals are frequently observed. Statistics indicate that merely 2 to 4 percent of the total beds are actually reserved for the poor. In Delhi, there are 62 hospitals constructed on government-provided land.
The land was given for 1 rupee.
In 1988, a large private hospital in Delhi received land at the nominal cost of Rs.1 per year, with the condition that it would allocate 200 beds for treating the underprivileged. However, the hospital has repeatedly disregarded government directives. Even after multiple court admonishments, it continues to allocate just 20 percent of the mandated capacity. In Delhi, there are 62 private hospitals constructed on government-provided land.
In 2007, the Delhi High Court gave the directive
In 2007, the Delhi High Court criticized two prominent private hospitals in the city and mandated them to allocate 10 to 25 percent of their beds. The court ruled that hospitals constructed on land given by the Delhi administration at reduced rates must reserve 10-25 percent of their beds for those in need. Despite the court's instructions, numerous private hospitals still fail to comply with the order. Currently, there are 62 hospitals in Delhi constructed on government-allocated land. Out of these, 54 are situated on land provided by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The committee has also been formed
The Delhi High Court formed a committee led by Ashok Aggarwal to evaluate the situation of reserved beds in government hospitals throughout Delhi. The committee's investigation revealed that the majority of hospitals are not adhering to government regulations. Furthermore, even when compliance occurs, the reserved beds account for merely 20 percent of the required number.
Government does not have state-wise data
Two central government ministers, while responding to inquiries in Parliament, stated that they lack state-specific data on land allocated by the government. Ashwini Choubey responded to this question on December 22, 2017, and Anupriya Patel addressed it on July 27, 2018. The absence of sufficient data allows hospitals greater flexibility. Both state and central governments must establish a unified approach to this issue.