Gurugram Private Hospitals to keep 20 percent beds for BPL, EWS patients

Gurugram: With an aim to make healthcare services accessible for the financially marginalized sections of society, the Gurugram district administration has taken an initiative under which families falling under below the poverty line (BPL) and the economically weaker section (EWS) would now be able to avail medical treatment for free in Medanta and Fortis hospitals in Gurugram. 

These private hospitals have been directed to reserve 20 percent of the total number of beds for the treatment of BPL families, as per the direction issued by the administration.

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The hospitals, which have got land from Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) at concessional rates, will have to provide treatment to these families as per the government's plan.

According to the officials, dedicated counters will be set up in both these hospitals for the treatment of BPL and EWS families. Artemis Hospital has already started such arrangements.

Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav, also visited Medanta, Fortis and Artemis Hospitals on Saturday to see the arrangements.

"People holding Ayushman Bharat, Chirayu Card and BPL Card can also directly go to the hospital for treatment. In case of emergency, priority will be given to the treatment of the patient and paperwork will be done later," Yadav directed the hospital management.

"Super specialty hospitals like Medanta will have to reserve 20 percent beds for the poor out of their total bed capacity. If the treatment cost of the patient admitted in this category comes up to Rs 5 lakh, then his treatment will be free and if the bill amount is between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, then only 10 percent of the normal charges will be taken from the patient. If the amount of the bill is more than Rs 10 lakh, then only 30 percent of the normal charges will be taken," Yadav said.  

Yadav added, "People holding Ayushman Bharat, Chirayu and BPL cards can directly visit private hospitals for treatment. In case of an emergency, the priority will be to treat the patient. Paperwork will be done later. Since there is a lack of awareness, the district administration will start targeting those areas where beneficiary families live in large numbers."

Artemis Hospital management informed the Deputy Commissioner that a dedicated counter has been set up to deal with the issues related to the treatment of BPL families on the spot.

Representatives of the Health Department will be present on behalf of the Haryana Government at this counter and will cooperate in the treatment process of eligible persons.

The hospitals have been directed to display information boards detailing the facilities for the EWS and BPL families, and the administration is also planning an awareness campaign, as per a media report in the Tribune India. 

The hospitals are reported to have agreed to the directions issued by the administration, however, they have also pointed out the lack of such beneficiaries. As per the data accessed by the district administration, only around 10 EWS/BPL patients visit the hospitals every month. 

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