Posted By :  Admin1

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi is under scrutiny for not meeting its commitment to provide free treatment to economically weaker section (EWS) patients, a condition tied to its lease agreement. An investigation by The Indian Express revealed that over a 12-year period, the hospital allocated only about 17% of the mandated 33% of its inpatient beds for EWS patients. In the financial year 2014-15, this figure dropped to as low as 12.01%. Additionally, of the nearly 3 lakh patients who received free services between 2012-13 and 2023-24, only 12% were admitted for inpatient care, while the remaining 88% received outpatient consultations.

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concerns over this shortfall. On March 25, 2025, the court warned that if the hospital fails to fulfill its obligations, it may direct the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to take over its management. The court emphasized that the hospital, built on 15 acres of prime land leased at a nominal rate of Re 1 per month, was expected to operate on a "no profit and no loss" basis, ensuring free treatment for the poor. The bench also directed the Centre and Delhi government to form a joint committee to inspect the hospital's records over the past five years to assess compliance. 

In response, Apollo Hospital has stated its commitment to providing quality care to eligible EWS patients and has agreed to submit detailed records to the court. The hospital's management has also indicated that it will cooperate with the inspection team appointed by the authorities. The Supreme Court has granted the hospital four weeks to file an affidavit detailing the free treatments provided to poor patients over the past five years. The matter is scheduled for further hearing thereafter.