Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notices to 51 Delhi Hospitals for Denying Free Treatment to Weaker Sections

The Supreme Court issued contempt notices to 51 private hospitals in Delhi, including Sir Ganga Ram and Fortis Escorts, for failing to provide free treatment to patients from weaker sections.

These hospitals, which received land at concessional rates, are mandated to reserve 10% of Inpatient Department (IPD) and 25% of Outpatient Department (OPD) services for indigent persons.

The Bench observed that several facilities violated a 2018 Court order despite government directives.

Consequently, the Court appointed the Secretary of Health, GNCTD, as a Nodal Officer to oversee enforcement and warned that land allotments may be withdrawn if non-compliance persists.

[UOI v. Moolchand Khairati Ram Trust]