BS RAWAT

The Delhi Health Department on June 30 ordered private Covid hospitals in the national capital to provide 10 percent of their beds to Covid-19 patients of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) free of cost.

The order has been issued to 112 private Covid hospitals including Max Superspeciality Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Saroj Super Speciality Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and St Stephen’s Hospital.

"The identified private hospitals, which were allotted land at concessional rates by land owning agencies and are providing COVID related treatment, shall earmark 10% of the total hospital bed capacity for free treatment (Covid & non Covid) as the case may be for treatment of eligible patients of EWS category," said an order.

Further, in case any hospital earmarks/ reserves more than 60% of its total bed capacity for Covid related treatment after the issuance of this corrigendum, the concerned hospital authorities are directed to inform the Supervising Authority in writing and seek clearance prior to operationalizing such Covid beds, it added.