By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh has directed the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to ensure that patients belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) receive priority and free treatment in identified private hospitals across the national capital.
In a strong push to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable communities, the minister instructed officials to strictly monitor hospitals and ensure full compliance with the norms mandating free treatment for eligible EWS patients. He warned that any negligence in providing care to such patients would invite strict action.
“EWS patients must receive treatment with utmost priority. Any negligence in providing care will invite strict action,” Dr. Singh said while issuing the directive.
The minister emphasised that the Delhi government remains committed to equitable healthcare access under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. He also stated that he is prepared to personally inspect hospitals, review records and verify whether eligible patients are receiving timely medical care.
“The Delhi Government is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for every citizen. We will ensure strict monitoring of hospitals to verify that EWS patients are receiving timely treatment as mandated. If required, I will personally inspect hospitals and review their records to ensure full compliance,” he added.
According to official data, the EWS scheme has benefited a large number of patients in the capital. Between February 2025 and January 2026, as many as 8,74,867 patients received free OPD treatment, while 57,102 patients were admitted for free IPD care in identified private hospitals under the EWS category.
The figures show a significant rise compared to the previous year. From April 2024 to January 2025, 7,23,271 patients availed OPD services and 41,900 patients received IPD treatment under the scheme.
Currently, 56 identified private hospitals in Delhi are mandated to provide 25% of OPD services and 10% of IPD beds free of cost for EWS patients.
In a move aimed at expanding the scheme’s reach, the government has increased the income eligibility limit from ₹2.2 lakh to ₹5 lakh annually, enabling more economically vulnerable families to access free healthcare services.
To enhance transparency, an online portal has also been launched to allow citizens to check real-time bed occupancy for EWS patients in identified private hospitals. The government has further strengthened the referral system between government hospitals and private facilities, while a monitoring committee continues inspections to ensure hospitals adhere to the mandatory provisions for free treatment.
Officials said the measures reflect the government’s broader effort to strengthen public health access and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent needy patients from receiving timely medical care.
