Telangana HC directs cancer hospital to provide free treatment under 25 percent quota

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has directed Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad to immediately admit a woman suffering from breast cancer and provide her free treatment under the hospital's mandatory 25% free inpatient quota. 

The High Court observed that private hospitals allotted government land at concessional rates cannot deny free treatment to eligible patients. It noted that such hospitals are required to follow the conditions attached to the land allotment and ensure that poor patients receive the benefits provided under government orders.

The case was filed by a widow from Jagtial district, who told the Court that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needed specialised treatment. She alleged that despite being eligible for free treatment under the government's policy, the hospital refused to admit her under the 25% free treatment quota.

The petitioner further informed the Court that she had submitted a representation to the authorities on July 15, requesting them to enforce the government orders. However, she claimed that no action was taken on her request. 

Her counsel argued that the hospital had received government land on the condition that it would provide free treatment to poor patients. The counsel also submitted that the hospital was required to display information about the 25% free inpatient quota so that eligible patients could easily avail themselves of the benefit.

Taking note of the urgency of the woman's medical condition, the High Court directed the hospital to admit her immediately and start treatment without delay under the applicable government orders. 

According to TOI, the Court also directed the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Hyderabad, to monitor the patient's treatment and submit a report on whether the hospital is complying with the government orders before the next hearing on July 23.