To implement SC order,Delhi govt names monitors

Private hospitals have been instructed to appoint their own nodal officers who are in charge of EWS patients. “For patients referred from government hospitals,the two nodal officers will coordinate the movement,” Das said.

Of 40 such hospitals in Delhi,the Supreme Court order covers 37 hospitals with a total of almost 800 beds. Three hospitals — Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital,St Stephen’s Hospital and Moolchand Hospital — have filed a separate case in Delhi High Court,challenging the claim that they were awarded land at concessional rates.

Another appeal was filed by Apollo Hospital,the final hearing of which is scheduled for Tuesday in the Supreme Court.

All patients seeking free treatment under the EWS quota will have to sign an undertaking declaring that their income is less than the minimum monthly wage,identified by Delhi government as Rs 6,422.

“If patients have additional proof like a BPL card or an income certificate from their organisation,it is good,but such documents are not compulsory. The SC judgment is very clear. Patients can claim treatment solely on the basis of this standard undertaking we have circulated to all hospitals,” Das said.

All the 37 hospitals have posted contact numbers of their nodal officers on the web page.

A five-member team from the government,including Director of Health Services Dr N V Kamat,will be conducting monthly inspections at all hospitals.

In addition,all 37 hospitals have been directed to send monthly and quarterly reports on EWS patients to the government.

For patients who are not referred from government hospitals and seek treatment directly at a private hospital,the hospital concerned has to contact the nearest government hospital after treating the patient.