In a significant relief for low-income families struggling with rising medical costs, the Delhi government has raised the annual income ceiling for free treatment at private hospitals to ₹5 lakh. The move is expected to substantially widen access to healthcare for economically weaker sections (EWS) across the capital.

The revised income threshold—up from the earlier ₹2.20 lakh—was formally notified by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday, following directions from the Delhi High Court. The court had earlier observed that the old income limit no longer reflected present-day economic realities and was inadequate in the current inflation-driven environment.

With the revision, more families will now qualify for free treatment at identified private hospitals in Delhi under the EWS quota.

 The benefit applies to both outpatient and inpatient services, significantly reducing the financial burden on vulnerable households.

Officials said the new income cap aligns with eligibility criteria already in place for EWS admissions in private schools in Delhi, a comparison previously noted by the High Court while examining the issue.

The court had emphasized the need for uniformity across welfare policies and stressed that healthcare access should keep pace with changing socio-economic conditions.

The matter was taken up after concerns were raised about poor patients being denied treatment due to outdated eligibility norms. Acting on the court’s intervention, the Delhi government constituted a special committee to review the income criteria. Based on its recommendations, the enhanced limit was approved and implemented.