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The Delhi High Court recently addressed a significant concern regarding EWS healthcare access at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). Specifically, a bench led by Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya sought the Delhi government's stand on a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Currently, this plea challenges the current policy limiting free treatment for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patients to only 10% of beds. NGO Social Justice filed the petition to highlight critical treatment allocation discrepancies at the institute.
Instead, Advocate Satyakam argued that ILBS is a premier, government-funded institution. It specializes in treating complex liver diseases like cirrhosis and cancer. Therefore, he submitted that it cannot operate as a predominantly paid medical facility. The petitioner claims the current policy is arbitrary and unreasonable. Furthermore, they argue it violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. Essentially, this creates a divide between affluent and indigent patients regarding essential care.
The NGO asserts that private hospitals on concessional land must provide at least a 10% IPD reservation. Consequently, a fully state-owned hospital providing only the same benefit appears insufficient to the public interest. The PIL emphasizes that the Supreme Court mandates equitable EWS healthcare access without commercial barriers. Thus, the NGO seeks a direction to quash the existing ILBS policy. Additionally, they suggest that 100% of beds should be free for the general public. Alternatively, the quota should increase to at least 50%.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, 2026. Meanwhile, the respondents must file their formal responses to the legal notice. This case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny over public healthcare obligations in the capital. Recently, the Delhi government enhanced the EWS income threshold to Rs 5 lakh per annum. Ultimately, this shift aims to provide more vulnerable families with necessary medical support in identified hospitals.
Q1: What is the current EWS treatment quota at ILBS?
Currently, the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) reserves 10% of beds in the in-patient department (IPD) and 25% of cases in the out-patient department (OPD) for free treatment of economically weaker sections (EWS).
Q2: Why is the NGO Social Justice challenging the ILBS policy?
The NGO argues that as a fully government-funded institution, ILBS should not follow the same minimum quota as private hospitals built on concessional land. They seek either 100% free services or a significant increase in the EWS quota to ensure equitable healthcare access for the poor.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
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The Delhi High Court has issued a notice regarding a PIL challenging the limited EWS bed reservation at ILBS, seeking equitable healthcare access for the po...
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