The Delhi government has revised the annual income limit for Economically Weaker Section patients eligible for free treatment at designated private hospitals, increasing it from ₹2.2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
The change was notified on Friday through an order issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The order stated that the revision was approved by a Special Committee following directions from the Delhi High Court. Private hospitals have been instructed to implement the revised income criterion of ₹5 lakh per annum with immediate effect, and the DGHS noted that non-compliance would be addressed.
The issue was taken up by the High Court after amicus curiae advocate Ashok Agarwal highlighted concerns that the earlier income threshold was no longer in line with current economic conditions. He said the revised limit would expand eligibility for free treatment at private hospitals.
Under existing provisions, private hospitals in Delhi that were allotted land at concessional rates are required to provide free treatment to EWS patients. The benefit is not restricted to residents of Delhi and is available to eligible patients from across the country.
Officials said the revised income ceiling is expected to improve access to treatment for eligible patients and may help reduce pressure on government healthcare facilities.
