Delhi HC directs DDA to file response over denial of dialysis to EWS patient by private hospital

The Delhi High Court recently ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to file an affidavit regarding a private hospital’s refusal to provide dialysis to an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patient. The hospital claimed that it won the land in an auction from the DDA.

The hospital abruptly stopped his dialysis on March 1, according to the petitioner. He filed a petition through advocate Ashok Agarwal, expressing his dissatisfaction with the denial of dialysis treatment to him. It was also argued that because the private hospital obtained land on a concessional basis from the DDA, it must provide free treatment to EWS patients.

The Delhi High Court recently ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to file an affidavit regarding a private hospital’s refusal to provide dialysis to an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patient. The hospital claimed that it won the land in an auction from the DDA.

The hospital abruptly stopped his dialysis on March 1, according to the petitioner. He filed a petition through advocate Ashok Agarwal, expressing his dissatisfaction with the denial of dialysis treatment to him. It was also argued that because the private hospital obtained land on a concessional basis from the DDA, it must provide free treatment to EWS patients.

The high court, on the other hand, has asked the DDA to state whether there is any condition for free treatment to be provided to EWS patients. Justice Prathibha M Singh served the private hospital with notice and ordered it to file an affidavit within four weeks.

The hospital stated that the land was not given on a concessional basis and that the current petition is not maintainable because it is a private hospital. The hospital also stated that it purchased the land from the DDA through an auction.

“The hospital must place all the documents of the auction purchase with the affidavit. The DDA shall file its affidavit and state whether the land was allotted on a concessional basis, an auction basis, and whether there is any condition for free treatment given to EWS patients,” directed Justice Singh on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the bench further directed to check if there is any other Delhi government hospital, which is providing dialysis treatment to EWS patients and the same may be communicated to the counsel for the petitioner within one week.

If such a hospital is found, the petitioner must receive dialysis treatment there, according to Justice Singh. Furthermore, the Delhi Government’s counsel submitted that people who want to get reimbursed for medical treatment can do so through the Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme.