New Delhi: In a major relief for low- and middle-income families, the Delhi government has increased the annual income eligibility limit for free treatment at select private hospitals from ₹2.20 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The decision widens access to free healthcare services at private hospitals built on subsidised land allotted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The revised norm allows more Delhi residents to avail free OPD consultations, diagnostic tests, medicines, and even surgeries at some of the city’s leading private hospitals.
Why the Income Limit Was Increased
The move follows directions from the Delhi High Court, which observed that the earlier income ceiling no longer reflected ground realities. With rising inflation, healthcare costs, and minimum wages in Delhi crossing the old threshold, a large number of deserving families were excluded from benefits meant for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
After court intervention, a special committee reviewed the policy and concluded that the income criteria needed urgent revision to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
62 Private Hospitals Come Under the Rule
A total of 62 private hospitals in Delhi fall under this mandate. These hospitals were allotted land at concessional rates and are required, as per lease conditions, to reserve a portion of their services for EWS patients.
Mandatory EWS Quota at These Hospitals
- 25% of OPD patients must be treated free of cost
- 10% of total hospital beds must be reserved for EWS patients
- Services include consultations, tests, medicines, and surgeries
Prominent hospitals covered include Apollo, Fortis, Max, Sir Ganga Ram, BLK-Max, Holy Family, Batra Hospital, and several others across the city.
Who Will Benefit From the New Rule?
With the income limit now set at ₹5 lakh per annum, thousands of workers, daily wage earners, contractual staff, and lower-salaried employees will qualify for free treatment—many of whom were earlier excluded despite financial hardship.
Legal experts and health activists have welcomed the decision, calling it a long-pending correction aligned with Delhi’s cost of living.
Documents Required to Avail Free Treatment
Eligible patients must carry the following documents:
- Income Certificate issued by SDM/Revenue Department (showing income up to ₹5 lakh)
- EWS Card or BPL/Food Security Card issued by the Delhi government
- Delhi Residence Proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity bill, etc.)
- Referral letter (if referred from a government hospital)
How to Get Free Treatment at Private Hospitals
- Every listed hospital has a designated EWS help desk near the entrance
- A government-appointed nodal officer verifies documents
- If an EWS bed is available, immediate admission is provided
- OPD prescriptions and investigations are issued free of cost
If a hospital refuses treatment despite eligibility, patients can:
- Call the Delhi government health helpline (1031)
- File a complaint on the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) portal
Transparency Guidelines for Hospitals
Hospitals have been instructed to:
- Clearly display EWS bed availability
- Publish eligibility criteria on notice boards
- Ensure compliance with the free-treatment mandate
Key Takeaways
- Old income limit: ₹2.20 lakh/year
- New income limit: ₹5 lakh/year
- Hospitals covered: 62 private hospitals in Delhi
- Benefit: Free OPD, medicines, tests, and surgeries for eligible families
This policy shift marks a significant step toward inclusive healthcare access in Delhi, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent residents from receiving essential medical treatment.
